- What is the topic being discussed?
- How long will the interview last?
- Is the interview live or taped?
The answers to these questions can help you to ace any media interview and here's how.
What is the topic being discussed?
The answer to this question will serve as a guide for the interview. It'll help you to understand if the interviewer is coming from a particular point of view. This can often help you to avoid ambush-style interviews. But best of all, knowing the topic you'll discuss helps you to develop key messages to ensure that you're prepared for any questions that comes your way. Through a technique called "bridging" you can turn any question into an opportunity to say exactly what you want to say.
How long will the interview last?
You need to know how long the interview will last so you can adequately prepare the things you want to say. If you have five minutes, you will choose to cover fewer topics than if you have thirty minutes. This also allows you to decide how fast you have to speak -- although speaking as if you're in a speed-reading contest is never advisable!
Is the interview live or taped?
Taped interviews are far less stressful because you can do more than one take at answering a question. However, you want to be prepared and answer all questions as if it's your only shot. Either way, you want to approach the interview as if you're having a conversation with a friend or colleague so that you come across as confident and relaxed.
As the interview with Bob Newhart from the Bob Newhart Show demonstrates all too clearly, being prepared can keep you from looking unprofessional.
Of course, a good public relations professional can help you to prepare for interviews via media training as well as doing the leg work to ensure that you are as prepared as possible for media interviews. To discuss media training or public relations, contact Al Martin of What Works Communications at amartin@whatworkscomms.com or www.whatworkscomms.com.
