Think twice before talking to the media

The interview request

You’ve received a call from a reporter who wants to interview you. You like the idea and want to confirm right away. But wait a minute! It is time to make an informed decision. Think twice before giving a media interview. It may be an opportunity, but it is also fraught with risk.

Overview

How about a media interview? … The phone rings

You’ve received a call from a reporter who wants to interview you, and because you like the idea, you want to confirm right away.

Wait for a second!

If you work for a larger company, ask for help before you decide. Talk to the marketing department. They can help you decide whether to accept an interview, or help you prepare for an interview if you need advice. Especially if you are alone: Think twice!

In my media training sessions, we usually spend most of the time teaching people how to communicate during a media interview. I also tell them what they should do before the interview starts – or before they agree to be interviewed in the first place.

I recommend: Before agreeing to an interview, research the interviewer. Find out as much as you can about the story they’re working on, because the more you know, the better you can prepare for the interview. Most journalists are willing to share at least the basics of the stories they’re working on, and some are willing to go into great detail about their stories.

Should you do the interview?

In case you are uncertain that you want to be interviewed by the media, here are some points to consider:

• What is the subject and focus of the interview, and why did the reporter contact you and not someone else?
• Who else are they interviewing?
  Reporters often play it close to the vest on this one, but it’s worth asking. You’ll often be able to get a sense of the tone of the article by learning whether the other sources in the story are friendly or antagonistic toward your cause.
• Is the subject currently in the news? How controversial is the subject? What are the risks and chances?
• What is the message you want to come across?
• Who is the reporter? What kind of reporter and personality is it?
• What news outlet does the reporter work for, and who is its audience?
• What do you know about the format (TV, radio, show, news, newspaper, magazine, …)?
  For print interviews, ask whether reporters just need a quick quote from you or whether they are writing an in-depth piece that will focus extensively on your work. For broadcast interviews, you’ll be able to learn whether the interview will be live, live-to-tape, or edited. Also, ask how long the interview will last. For television, ask if the format will be a remote, on-set, or sound bites interview.
• Where, and how will the interview be conducted (e.g., in person, on the phone, radio, video), and how long will the interview take?
• Does the reporter want to approach the story from any particular perspective?
  Some reporters bristle when you ask directly “What is your angle?”, so ask in another way to get the same information in a slightly more subtle manner.
• Are you well-prepared, or if not is there enough time to be well-prepared?
  Given the fact that everything you say in a media interview can, and may, be shared by the journalist for posterity, it’s important to make sure you are completely prepared. If possible, ask for interview questions ahead of time.
• Are there any possible legal consequences?
  In case it matters, ask your attorney.
• Is the effort worth the investment?

Better think twice before you do a media interview. It may be a chance, and it is full of risks.

Professional Media Coaching: Enhance Your Media Presence

In front of a camera, something change.

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Maximize your media opportunities by confidently handling challenging questions and delivering compelling answers. Whether it's a live Q&A session or dealing with unexpected questions during an interview, I can help you develop the skills to stay composed and articulate. As a professional media coach, I will help you prepare thoroughly for your media appearances, using techniques such as mock interviews, personalized feedback, and targeted practice sessions to ensure that you feel assured, poised, and in control.

Tailored Support to Fit Your Needs

You decide how much support you need. I recommend scheduling at least one rehearsal session with professional feedback. Rehearsals help identify weaknesses, refine your delivery, and build confidence, ensuring that you're fully prepared for your media appearance. This helps you understand how your responses impact your audience, highlights areas for improvement, and boosts your overall effectiveness. Rehearsing in advance allows you to gauge how well your answers resonate, understand what works, and identify opportunities to refine your delivery, such as improving body language, pacing, or vocal tone. Don’t wait until after the performance—by then, it's too late to make adjustments.

Cross-fire interviews, in particular, can be intense and demand quick, confident responses. Unlike traditional interviews, they often involve multiple interviewers who may ask rapid, challenging questions, requiring you to think on your feet and respond under pressure. Preparing with professional feedback ensures you're ready for any challenging questions, minimizing the risk of being caught off guard.

Transparent Costs, Immeasurable Value

Curious about the cost? My fees are transparent and listed here. Feeling confident and delivering a strong media performance is invaluable, as it can significantly enhance your credibility, help you connect with a broader audience, and even lead to career opportunities, such as new clients or speaking engagements. Take advantage of professional coaching to ensure your message connects effectively with your audience. Sessions can be conducted in person or conveniently via telephone or video—whatever fits best into your schedule.

Overcome Stage Fright

Many people experience severe stage fright during media appearances, which can make the experience stressful and less effective. My coaching specifically addresses stage fright by using techniques such as deep breathing exercises, visualization, and gradual on-camera exposure to help manage anxiety and build a confident on-camera presence. With the right coaching, you can overcome this fear and transform your media appearances into opportunities to shine and inspire others, rather than moments of dread.

Contact Me for More Information

If you have specific questions or want to know more about how I can help, just ask me directly. For questions that might interest others, please feel free to post them in the comments section below.

Looking for Professional Support?

If you're interested in coaching, training, or consulting, have organizational questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, the best way to reach me is through this contact form (where you can choose whether to provide your personal data) or by email at mail@karstennoack.com. You can find the privacy policy here.

Transparency and Frequently Asked Questions

Transparency is important to me. To help you get started, I've provided answers to frequently asked questions about myself (profile), the services I offer, fees, and the process of getting to know me. If you like what you see, I'd be delighted to work with you.

Remarks:

In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.

Related Articles

• Professional preparation for your media appearances
• Presentation Prep
• Coaching, consulting and training by phone or online with video

P.S.

How do you decide?

Articles about media competence

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 21, 2008
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: November 19th, 2024
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#234