So after dozens of approaches and emails your pitch worked and you have secured an interview slot with your DREAM publication. Now what?
Now the REAL work starts!
Tip 1 for Preparing for a Media Interview - Make sure you know your key messages
What is the messaging you are trying to convey in the interview? Don’t overload yourself with information - instead have two or three key points prepared which you would like to get across in the interview. You will be surprised how quickly the time goes so anything else will be a bonus.
Tip 2 for Preparing for a Media Interview - Offer some real insight
You are the expert so don’t be afraid to give the interviewer some interesting facts. Remember, the reason you are being interviewed is to provide something new to the story. So make sure you add some value or insight to the story that isn’t already out there or that they don’t already have. Rolling 24-hour news means a story is changing all the time so make sure you have an awareness of what else is leading the news agenda in case you are sprung with a topical question on an unrelated issue.
Tip 3 for Preparing for a Media Interview - Speak clearly and be concise
Most interviews will only last around three minutes and your TV or radio interview could be cut down to a 30 sec grab. Your print interview could be cut to one sentence. So speak clearly and be aware that in normal conversation you probably speak quicker than you imagine – if you need to slow it down then do.
Assume the audience does not understand the topic you are discussing. Do not use technical language. The vast majority of the public do not understand business jargon and using it will not endear you to them. You should use simple words that can be easily understood by everyone.
Tip 4 for Preparing for a Media Interview - Be Your Toughest Interviewer
Ask yourself what questions you don’t want to be asked and then devise a strategy for answering them. If you are unsure talk to me and I can help you work out how to answer them.
Tip 5 for Preparing for a Media Interview - Practise!
Roleplay with your friends, partner, mum or anyone on your business. The more you practise what you are going to say the more likely you are to get it right on the day.
If you secure a media slot and want advice drop me an email - I’m always happy to help.
If you want a copy of my book 100 PR and Content Ideas for your Business click here.
For my FREE guide 10 Steps to Writing your PR Strategy click.
And don’t forget to join my Facebook group by clicking here.
Alison Jackson-Carter is a ‘PR Pro’ who has spent her career helping people and businesses share stories. As a journalist she spent her 20s working for newspapers, ITV’s This Morning programme, Sky News and 5 News. She then moved into PR where she has worked with hundreds of household brands to increase their media profile.
Since she moved to PR she has led teams that have won awards, launched a successful podcast that has been downloaded more than 100,000 times, and achieved millions of pounds worth of media coverage for brands.
Her passion for supporting women in business led her to launch Enlighten PR where she helps small business owners and entrepreneurs raise their profile and communicate with confidence about their business. In her downtime she can be found listening to The Archers or trying to read while her children and dog climb all over her.