Interviews. They can be scary at first. Preparing an interview is key and half the work. But what to do during an interview? I am happy to reveal some tips that will definitely help you to become a master-speaker and tame pushy journalists. The secrets are written here below. Have a peek.
Tip 1: Do not be late and smile
Being the spokesperson of an organization, arriving on time for an interview is an absolute must. Journalists do not have an endless sea of time so make sure you do not make it harder for them than it already is.
Besides that, during the interview it is strongly recommended to maintain your positive first impression with the one interviewing you. Even though when a journalist is not exactly supportive for the story you are telling and starts throwing nasty or even dumb questions at you. Do not let your frustration deep inside take the upper hand. Instead, use this opportunity to point out your proposition as a company again.
Tip 2: ‘No’ is okay
No means no. You are even allowed to say that to a journalist. Not too much of course since they want to get as much information out of you as possible. But do know that journalists are absolutely not in charge of the interview. Behave like a true sheriff in NewsTown. You only give them the news you want to give them.
Tip 3: You are in charge
Yes, you want to make it into the seven o’clock news so you would like to please the journalist with some tasty news worth speaking about. Keep in mind that there is only limited time to get your message across. Stick to the plan and do not dwell out on things that are irrelevant to say. This might also be a dangerous thing to do if a nasty journalist starts cutting into the footage and wants to make his own story out of your twisted words.
Tip 4: Have a little chat
There is no shame in interaction, it's even important. Yes, a journalist gets paid at the end of the month for asking you questions. But there is not a rule that forbids you to do the same every now and then. Play ping-pong with him. Pose the journalist the same questions and see how he/she reacts. It might loosen the tension of the interview. This way you are rather having a real conversation than an interview. Remember, you are the boss of the interview. When you feel like you are being pushed into a corner, simply say it.
Tip 5: News serpents
Imagine a sweet, nice and pretty face of a good looking female journalist (I’m speaking as a heterosexual man here). Just lovely. Do not be fooled. It is perfectly possible that you are dealing with a wolf in sheep’s clothing. You and the journalist serve different interests. Everything you say can and may be used for publication. Therefore it is always recommended to reread the interview (however the journalist is not obligated to let you). With most interviews, you as a spokesperson want to spread the name of your organization. A journalist only wants to write fancy articles and is out in the field to find juicy details that are perhaps not meant to see the daylight.
Tip 6: Shut it
Journalists can be nasty, very nasty. There are real serpents among them. Oh they love to put words in your mouth that you were not even going to say. Important to realise is that they desperately want their exciting article to write. What you need to do is simply remain ice-cool and not participate in their game.
Tip 7: Relax
A little stress is okay. Sure, why not? An interview may not be mistaken for a court-martial. Journalists are often genuinely interested in your vision, your answers, your perception on a certain topic. It is fun. Keep in mind that you are the expert in what you do and they come to you for answers.