Top tips for Interviews

Here’s some top tips to help you prepare for a media interview.

Step one: Ask the journalist questions

The more you know about the interview before hand the more prepared you will feel. Try to find out:

  • Is it for TV or radio?
  • Where will the interview will take place, where should you meet and at what time (do you need to get there early)?
  • Will the interview be live or pre-recorded?
  • Is anyone else being interviewed with you? If so, who are they and what is their viewpoint?
  • What questions will be put to you and what angle are they taking? Journalists are normally very happy to give you this information.

Step two: Prepare what you want to say

Always go into interviews prepared. Think about how you can make the topic as relevant to as many people as possible, avoiding technical language or verydetailed responses. Don’t presume the person you’re talking to knows anything about the topic.

Think about what you want to say.

What are the 3 key messages that you want to get across?

Write them down in order of importance, and practice answering questions which bring your responses back to your key points. The main idea is to get your key points across almost regardless of the questions asked. You can incorporate the points you want to make into almost any answer.

Once you’ve decided on the points you want to make memorise and rehearse them.

Step three: Be prepared for difficult questions

Most interviewers aren’t hostile and will give you a fair chance to get your point of view across. But sometimes difficult questions can throw you off course. Don’t let the prospect of this put you off, as with a little extra preparation will help.

Before the interview: Think about the difficult questions which you could be asked and practice how you would respond to them.

During the interview: You can easily turn a negative situation into a positive one by: Acknowledgingthe question, bridgingto something you want to say, and communicatingone of your key points (it’s as easy as ABC).

Ie say “ “Yes, but what’s really important here is…” or “I hear that, but what you need to remember is…” or “Well, what we’ve found is….” and communicate one of your three prepared statements to bring the journalist back to the important points that you wish to make.

Don’t feel pressure to answer immediately. Take time to think about your answer. Make sure that the interviewer doesn’t put words in your mouth. Be calm.

Step four: During the interview

Dos and don’ts

Do:

  • Speak slowly
  • Be clear and succinct
  • Use short sentences and simple language
  • Imagine you are speaking to just one person.
  • Try to smile (if appropriate)
  • Don’t fidget or cross your arms
  • Think about what you’re wearing, smart clothing or something with a Friends of the Earth logo is usually best

Don’t

  • Use jargon or technical words without explaining them
  • Assume the audience knows what you’re talking about
  • Be aggressive – no matter what you get asked. Passion is good but if you come across as aggressive, you’ll lose the audience from your side

And lastly be confident and have fun!