The correct way to do an interview with the media

Questions and answers

Doing media interviews can make or break your career!
You need practice. This is in the news more than ever! Just look at the people named Barack, John, Joe, and in particular Sarah.
See how they fare in their interviews with the likes of Katie (and others)

Tell me, are they hitting home runs or are they eliminating themselves from the playoffs? (I had to put that in, I’m watching my team the METS right now)

You have to be prepared with every response and “You only get one chance to make a first impression.”

Here are some tips to help you with your interviews.

For media interviews, be professional and fully prepared. Do not leave anything to chance. Look better. Be neat, well groomed and dress to sell. Even dress for radio and print interviews. Although the audience won’t see you, the interviewer will, so make a big impression. Notice how often in print, writers describe the subject and what he was wearing or how he acted or looked. In general, it is safe to dress in the same way as the host. If, after watching it, you’re still not sure what to wear, ask the producer.

Keep excellent records of everyone’s phone numbers, including the producer’s cell phone numbers in case an emergency arises. Know how to check in at the station reception area because some station doors are locked early in the morning or have tight security and require photo identification.

Also, keep in mind that when important news breaks, your segment may be postponed or cancelled. Whenever possible, watch or listen to the station you will be appearing on.

In response to the interview questions:

* Answer the question you were asked, even if it doesn’t allow you to make any of your main points. Answer the question directly, but briefly. Then swipe to one of your main points. Try to make a smooth transition by moving gently towards the point that fits the closest. If you’re too abrupt or go too far, your response will sound contrived and look like a simple promoter. Slide smoothly by beginning your comments with “That reminds me of a story,” “When I was _______,” or “I heard about a _______.” Gliding is an art that requires finesse and practice, so work on it in conversations with your friends.

* “Master the art of ‘smart follow’,” suggests Barbara De Angelis. “No matter what they ask, say what you want to say. Comment on the question being asked in a quick sentence, but then move on to the point you want to make. Practice until you learn to move gracefully from question asked to answer you want to give. To do that, you have to really know your own material so you can quickly decide what point to make.”

* If you get stuck and don’t know an answer, say, “Thanks, that’s a great question. But what I want to share with your listeners is…” and then go directly to your message. Study politicians; they use this technique all the time. Watch how they deflect questions to always get their message across, no matter what is being asked.

* If, as the interview progresses, you haven’t had a chance to address your main points, do so, but don’t be rude. Remember that you are there to make your points. So answer the questions you’re asked briefly and then say, “But I’d really like to point out that _________” or “I think it’s important that you know (or understand) that _________” and then make your point. Speak directly, calmly and pleasantly. Never let pent up frustration or anger seep out.

* Keep your answers short and simple. Do not read or preach. Keep complex information simple because interviewers and audiences tend to wander during long, hard-to-follow explanations. If interviewers want more information, they will ask for it.

* Provide your interview for the audience, listener or reader, not just the presenter or interviewer. “Ninety percent of the people who interview you aren’t listening to what you’re saying. They’re thinking about the next question, the next interview, lunch, or their own problems,” says De Angelis. So focus on the audience.

* That being said, make the presenter or interviewer look good. Say, “What a great question” or “No one has asked me that before.” But do it just once or it will seem insincere. Act like each question is insightful even when you change the subject to emphasize one of your main points.

* Listen carefully so that you can respond appropriately and gracefully link your responses to your main points. If an audience is present, listen, watch, and speak directly to them. Treat the audience as your conversation partner—smile, pay attention, and watch their reactions.

* When possible, try to include the title of your book in your answer. For example, Barbara De Angelis will say, “It sounds like she was having a ‘How did I get here?’ moment.” However, sometimes the title of your book will not work or it will sound too forced. Also, do not state your title constantly.

* Be yourself. Don’t play tunes or try to be someone else. Avoid language, expressions, and gestures that you don’t normally use or that the audience might not understand.

* Be courteous, respectful and friendly. Laugh at the host or interviewer’s jokes, but not hysterically. Smile and call him by his name: “Well, yes, Phil” or “Thank you, Jane.” Never steal the spotlight from the interviewer or presenter or be pushy. Remember that it is the program of the presenter or interviewer.

* Smile and act like you’re enjoying yourself. Don’t put a big goofy grin on your face or laugh out loud. Be humble. Wear a nice look on your face and don’t act like you’re going through an inquisition.