Whether a local newspaper reporter is coming out to see you, you’re doing a pre-recorded interview over Zoom with BBC local radio or it’s a live with a regional TV news programme you need to know what you’re doing.
Journalists carry out interviews day in day out, it’s ten a penny to them and they won’t be the ones feeling apprehensive. Not the case for you though eh- butterflies in your stomach and a general feeling of nervousness? Well – fear not – our top tips will help:
- Do Your Research – Who’s doing the interview? What’s the programme or publication? Is there anything happening nationally related to your industry they could ask you about?
- Expect the Unexpected – You will always get the what, when, who, why, how questions but you may get something leftfield. It maybe that a reporter has been contacted by one of your customers or service users with an issue and they want you to respond
- Be Prepared – Have relevant figures, data, or information to hand. We’ve all seen the interviews where politicians have been tied up in knots because they didn’t know their stuff
- Be authentic – Don’t try and be something you’re not. If you’ve got an accent – don’t try and disguise it with a newer, posher version of yourself. Remember your Gran’s posh phone voice, growing up? You don’t want to not sound like you.
- Don’t script you answers – Yes it’s important to know your stuff and it’s crucial to know what key messages to get across whatever you’re asked. But if you try and memorise your answers and then forget your next line – you risk derailing your whole interview
If you’re still feeling worried and you know media interviews maybe on the horizon – don’t stress, we can help prepare you with our range of media training courses. To find out more give us a call on 07971 484340 or email us on hello@legspr.agency
