Mastering media interviews: top tips from ex-journalists
Imagine this: a CEO leaves a TV studio after an interview. Chatting with the journalist on the way out, they’re relaxed, off guard. The journalist asks a seemingly casual question and the off-the-cuff, off-message, response becomes the next day’s headline.
Scenarios like this happen more often than you think. Media training equips you to deal with all kinds of media engagement, including the unexpected ones. It’s not only for crisis situations or set-piece interviews, but rather a critical tool for any organisation that wants to protect its reputation and excel at thought leadership.
Our media trainings are designed to help business leaders communicate their messages confidently and effectively, whatever the media encounter. As many of our team are former journalists and have been on the other side of the microphone, our training will help you prepare and make the most of media opportunities.
Here are some of the principles we return to time and again to help our clients communicate with clarity, confidence and consistency.
Prepare, prepare, prepare
Whether you’re facing a live broadcast or a background briefing, never go in unprepared. We help you understand the journalist and publication you’re talking to, identify newsworthy angles, define key messages, build a strong narrative, and stay laser-focused on what you want audiences to take away.
Land your message
Journalists have many different styles and interview techniques, making it hard to stay in control of your story. We help you understand the techniques you can use to bring the discussion back to your message.
Remember what the journalist needs
We’ve seen many situations where the interviewee is highly prepared but doesn’t give the journalist anything worth reporting. We help you tell your story safely, but in a way that also gives the journalist something to work with.
Be mindful of body language and delivery
What you say is only half the story. Your tone, posture and facial expressions can reinforce — or undermine — your message. We advise on speech and body language to ensure your delivery feels natural, confident and aligned with the story you’re trying to tell.
Practice, practice, practice
Theory only gets you so far. As former journalists, we can help you practice in realistic interview scenarios, simulating what it’s like to be in the hot seat and giving you immediate feedback on your technique and responses.
Explore Stampa’s media training services or contact us to discuss your needs.
