Greetings!
When working with clients, I always like to take a look at media opportunities. What are ways to tell your story in a bigger context - via a submitted or contributed article - or perhaps through a radio or television interview? Sometimes it is a matter of reaching out to an industry trade publication to request an interview or coverage for your business.
In my career I have a unique position of being both writer/reporter and public relations specialist - in other words, I am on both sides of the microphone. When writing freelance articles, I usually work with PR departments to ensure that I interview the right person and obtain great messaging and quotes. Because I am also a PR person, I know what they are looking for so it can be a win-win. When preparing for a media interview, if for a client or organization, there are certain things to keep in mind.
Type of media denotes type of interview
- Phone interview - this is 90% of what I do when interviewing people for an article. In that case, it is just a conversation between two people. What you need to know are the hard facts about the business - number of employees, executives, when started, what the business does (elevator speech), specific competencies or markets, and finally any numbers or stats. You should also know if you can report on financials.
- Television interview - plan to wear simple, professional clothes - blue or black suits, limited jewelry. Plan to be able to speak to certain message points without notes. Be aware of posture and your use of vocal variety/voice. Try very hard to be crisp in your statements, no umm's and ah's and long sighs. If you need help with this, try Toastmasters.
- Coffee shop interview (aka on location) - this may be in the case of working specifically with a reporter to tell a story. Remember, even if it is conversational, everything is on the record!
Easy prep
- Have the facts in-hand. Know the facts of the company, the history, dates, background and have notes on those items
- Have a very short list of key messages that you'd like to get across
- Practice smiling, pausing for impact, and focusing on eye contact
Ways to go bigger with preparation
- Practice with a partner
- Practice on video and adjust behaviors as you see body or vocal language that needs to change
- Join Toastmasters or a weekly public speaking/leadership club where you can practice public speaker, clarity of messaging, and body language routinely
Yours in clarity,
