How to Be Interviewed Effectively in the Media

Newspaper, magazine, radio and TV interviewers should be a means for you to promote your product, point of view or perspective to the public in a way that is truthful and not misleading--but said reporters/interviewers often don't. There are many reasons, including how to put 100 "units" of information into a 10 "unit" sound bit or column, along with interpersonal issues that always emerge. You can do much to be sure that you are minimally misrepresented by following a few tips and remembering some key points that your interviewer may not be aware of.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Interviewer
• You (person to be interviewed)
• Some index cards
• Preparation time
• A good knowledge of your own subject
• Ability to see your subject and understand it from the perspectives of others

1. Before the interview, think about your subject (what you want to talk about). Prepare (and write down) an opening statement about it, some key points you want to get across, and a closing statement. Be sure that what you say is accurate, but in a language and cultural context which the interviewer and the interviewer's audience can understand, and relate to.
2. Connect with the interviewer personally and professionally before it starts and find out what his/her agenda is. Relate what yours is, and appreciation for being interviewed. Remember that he/she may be overloaded with many technical things and deadlines, and that he/she is not necessarily ignoring or disrespecting you. Let the interviewer ask the questions, and answer the questions competely and with more words than what your interviewer uses. Add commentary to the questions you answer, but don't change the topic overtly. You can change the subject but in stages and within the dynamic that establishes itself once the interview starts. And remember, if you and the interviewer are doing your jobs, the "script" both of you wrote before starting the interview will change, and for the better.
3. Be open for the joy of discovery. When 2 minds talk about something with passion and commitment, a "third brain" emerges which both participants think with. If you and your interviewer are doing your jobs, you will discover things about the subject at hand, and other things, along the way. Do not be afraid of sharing this active re-investigation of the subject.
4. There are some things you should remember, and be sure to mention at the end of the interview. This is what the interviewer (and reader/listener) will remember most. Names of people you worked with, mention of "credits" that should be mentioned, and mention of what you want to public to do with the information in clear language is required. You don't want to promote an opera you are putting on and forget to mention where it will be and when.

Tips & Warnings

• Perception is not to be underestimated, so think about how you come off to your audience, and what you want and need them to know.
• Do not over-estimate your importance (and subject) or under-estimate it. An inflated ego and lowered self-esteem are both deadly.
• You are being honored by being interviewed. Earn that honor and you will be given more. Don't honor it, and it's back to the gutter and obscurity.