Media Training 101

So you’ve scored a media placement… Congratulations! The hard stuff is done but there’s still some work to do.

Now is your time to prep for the interview. This is a necessary step soon after agreeing to sit down with a journalist. The last thing you want to do is set yourself up for failure. With the proper media training, there’s no need to sweat it. Here are the 10 things to remember before agreeing to go on the record with any reporter.

5 things to do for a media interview

Do your research

What do you know about the journalist and publication? Who is their audience? How do they conduct an interview? What’s the story about? Why should they interview you on the topic? These are all questions you should be able to answer before you agree to an interview. Knowing these answers will help you put your best foot forward. 

Identify at least 3 key talking points

What’s the message you want to get across during the interview? While preparing for the interview, make sure to jot down at least 3 key messages or talking points. These talking points will keep you on track throughout the interview. 

Don't speak in jargon 

Don’t assume that the reporter will understand your lingo. If you’re interviewing with a broad audience news organization, speak in general terms that anyone can understand and don’t get too far in the weeds. You could lose your audience that way.

Remember not to ramble, instead speak in brief but comprehensive thoughts

Have you ever been in a conversation in which the other person starts telling you a multi-level story? You know what I’m talking about… one of those stories that ends up taking so many twists and turns that you have no idea what it’s about anymore. Avoid being that person! Neither you nor the reporter has time for it, and it makes it difficult for the reporter to quote you in their story. 

Dress appropriately 

This is especially important for a TV interview. Before the interview, you need to know where the interview will be done. Over zoom? In-studio? Outside? In-doors? There’s a lot to consider here but it’s best to avoid revealing clothing, large distracting patterns and distracting jewelry. Dress professionally. 

5 things to avoid during a media interview

Asking to see the questions before the interview

This is not a practice most journalists follow. However, journalists should always provide sufficient background information and context to the interview and their story.

The nervous overuse of "like" and "um"

This typically happens when the interviewee is thinking about what they're going to say next. Once someone starts, it's hard to stop. Instead, pause to think about the question and take your time when responding.

Being rude to the journalist

Just don't. It's best to be professional, in all cases. If you don't like where the interview is going, you're welcome to skip the question or stop the interview at any point. But being unprofessional will cause damage to your image.

 Using dramatic hand gestures during a TV interview

Even if you typically speak with hand gestures, it's best to avoid it when on camera. It can be distracting to the viewer and interviewer.

Asking to "approve" the story before it’s published 

The answer will always be "no." Journalists do not give interviewees an editorial say over their work. Some journalists might share what parts of the interview they plan to include, but you should never expect the journalists to provide a draft.