Media Tips and Techniques Turn on your computer speakers and click on this link to begin the audio presentation
What’s News? • New • Controversial • Conflict • People 2
Preparing for the Interview • Buy time – What’s the story? – What does the reporter want to know from you? – Will this story be better for the industry if you’re in it? – What do you have to say? – Who are you saying it to? 3
Preparing for the Interview Anticipate • Consider your response – What you will be asked – What you pray you’re not asked • Generic opener and closer questions – So, what’s it all mean? – Is there anything else you want to add? 4
Preparing for the Interview • Determine Key Messages – Get what you have to say down to 3 points • Use: – Figures – Examples – Quotable Language – Personal anecdotes 5
The Interview • Always answer the question • Answers can be short and definitive – Yes, that’s exactly right. – I don’t know, but I’ll find out. – No, I don’t agree with that statement. – I don’t know. 6
The Interview: Technique Bridging: – I don’t know the answer to that question but what I do know is… – No, that is not the case. Let me explain… – That used to be important. But what’s changed is… 7
The Interview: Technique Flagging: – What’s important to remember, however… – Let me put that into perspective… – The bottom line is… 8
Do’s and Don’ts • Never speculate • Don’t say “no comment” 9
Do’s and Don’ts • Beware of “off the record” • Avoid jargon/professional buzzwords 10
Do’s and Don’ts • Don’t repeat negative language • Don’t argue 11
Do’s and Don’ts • Set a time limit • Your answer is your answer 12
Do’s and Don’ts Interview with Integrity • Tell the truth • Tell your story • Be yourself – On your best behavior 13
Remember! It’s YOUR interview - you have information. Make sure you share it the way you want to! 14