---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Tom Nunes <tnunes1@cox.net> To: auxpao@list.auxpa.org, auxpao-aol@list.auxpa.org Date: Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:29:28 -0700 Subject: [auxpao] Tips for Being Interviewed by the Media
Tips
for Being Interviewed by the Media
Sending out an effective press release may lead to the next
step — an interview with the media. Whether you are talking to a
newspaper reporter or being interviewed in front of the camera, here are some
tips to help you.
Know what you want to communicate, and don’t be afraid
to repeat yourself. Important ideas often need to be repeated several times.
- Live by your message points, the key points you
feel are most important to communicate to the media and your audience. Remember:
Life jackets save lives. Safe boats save lives. Educated boaters save
lives. Sober boaters save lives.
- Short answers are better than long ones. Each
message should be no longer than 10 to 15 words. Stop talking when
you’re done making your point.
- This is not a confrontational interview. Smile.
- Don't overlap the interviewer's question. Begin
your answer when he or she is finished.
- Speak in complete sentences, trying to repeat the
main part of the reporter's question. Example: "How should a boater
prepare for the boating season?" Answer: "The Coast Guard Auxiliary
recommends that boaters take a boating safety course and have their boat checked
to ensure they have required and recommended equipment to operate safely."
Your quote will be more likely to be used by the media if it contains a
complete thought.
- Avoid jargon and acronyms. Speak as simply as
possible.
- Relax by taking a few deep breaths before the
interview, and remember to breathe throughout. Keep your hands free, open,
and animated. Gesture as you normally would.
- Plan what you’d like to say if asked,
“is there anything else that you’d like to say?” You
should recap your three main message points as a response.
- Always assume the camera and microphone are operating.
When doing TV interviews ask which camera is on you and be sure to face
towards it. And, remember where reporters are concerned, there is no such
thing as “off the record”.
- Resist the urge to lean into the microphone.
They are very powerful and can pick up every word you say.
- Television is an intimate medium. Speak in personal,
anecdotal terms. Use analogies to illustrate your point. Don’t be
afraid to tell “your story.”
- Body language is important for television.
Practice by talking into a mirror and by having a friend ask you questions
you think journalists would ask. People will remember how they felt about
you more than they will remember what you said; so,
- it's important to be relaxed and sincere.
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