Think Twice Before Every Media Interview
Media Competence
The request for an interview
You’ve received a call from a reporter who wants to interview you. Because you like the idea you want to confirm immediately. Wait for a second! It is time for competent decision-making. Think twice before you do a media interview. It may be a chance and it is full of risks.
Overview
Wait for a second!
When you work for a larger company ask for assistance before you decide. Contact the marketing department. The staff there can help you decide whether to grant the interview or help you prepare for an interview if you could use some advice. Especially if you are on your own: Think twice!
In my media training, we usually spend the majority of the time teaching the participants how to communicate during a media interview. I also tell them what they should do before their interview begins – or before they agree to the interview in the first place.
I recommend: Before agreeing to an interview, interview the interviewer. Learn as much as possible about the story they’re working on, as you’ll be able to prepare for the interview with greater precision as you learn more about it. Most journalists are willing to share at least the basics about 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 the question 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 advocate. - 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.
Assistance for your media appearance
You want to make the best of the opportunity. You want to face the questions and give convincing answers? Then I will support you with the preparation of your media appearance.
You decide on the scope of the support. My recommendation: Allow yourself and your audience at least one rehearsal with professional feedback. Then you know for yourself how you and your answers affect your target group, what you should do and what you shouldn't do, where there is potential. Why do you only want to get such feedback after your real performance? Then it is too late for the corrections. Cross-fire interviews, in particular, are very intense and only afterward do you have the opportunity to look at the results.
What does such professional support cost? You can find the fees here. You know best how much it will cost compared with the expected benefit. Benefit from the advantage. By the way, this can also be done with sessions via telephone or video support.
By the way, many people suffer from very intense stage fright during their appearances in the media and suffer through the performance. That's a pity because that is not necessary with appropriate help. Just in case ...
Just ask me personally
Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional help?
If you are interested in coaching, training or consulting, if you have organizational questions, or if you want to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (you can choose if you want to enter your personal data) or via e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can also reach me by phone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 or by cell phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will get back to you as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.
Transparency is important. That is why you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees and getting to know me. If you like what you see, I look forward to working with you.
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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: August 20th, 2023
Translation: ./.
German version:
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