6 simple ways to avoid a media meltdown (and control an interview)

media training in perth
May 16, 2014
Communications Training

Politicians are probably the most scrutinized of all occupations.

You’d think they’d be experts at handling the media, but remember when Tony Abbott (then opposition leader and later Prime Minister) was forced to defend his comment that “sometimes s*** happens” when discussing the events surrounding the death of a digger in Afghanistan?

He accused Channel 7 of “trying to turn this into a subsequent media circus”, but when asked how that was occurring and why his comments had been taken out of context, he refused to answer for more than 20 seconds.

What a strange response. It makes me wonder if he had had any media advice beforehand or if this one had actually stumped him.

Avoid a media meltdown with media training

Media training is essential not only for politicians but also for any spokesperson or leader of an organisation. In a world where people are quick to judge and will often revel in another’s downfall, it’s important to be prepared to positively represent your own and your company’s reputation.

It maybe a daunting experience – will you still be confident when faced with a TV camera or radio microphone? How will you respond to a tough question or hostile reporter?

We’ve come up with some tips on how to control a media interview and steer it into a positive opportunity for yourself and your business.

1. Preparation

You may live and breathe your industry, but you can never over-prepare. Just because you have all the answers doesn’t mean you know how to deliver them, particularly when you are faced with a large audience, TV camera or pushy reporter.

Invest time into rehearsing and anticipate potentially tough questions. The reporter/journalist is probably not trying to actually trick you, but they need a story. If they sense you are being dishonest or skirting the issue, that’s when they’ll dig deeper and try to find out what you are hiding.

If, on the other hand, you confidently deliver some informative, engaging content, they will no doubt be satisfied and run with the story.

2. Format key messages

Come up with three positive key messages about your business that you want the public to know about. This may be a story for the journalist, but it’s also a great opportunity to create some great PR for yourself and your company. If it is pre-recorded, obviously it may not be used, but a live interview is a great opportunity; use it!

 

FURTHER LISTENING: How to survive a tough media interview

3. Practice how to bridge

When faced with a difficult question, do not skirt around the issue like so many politicians are known to do. Instead, acknowledge the question then transition into an area that you want to talk about (that is to say, talk about one of your key messages).

This is a clever way of turning a potentially negative situation into a positive outcome and shows that you are in control of the interview.

If you don’t know an answer, say so. Don’t try and wing it or you will look shifty and raise suspicion. Instead, say that you can look into this further for them or direct them to an expert in the field. This shows that you are honest and not afraid of not knowing all of the answers. If the interview is pre-recorded, take advantage if you need to. You can always ask to stop, take a breather, or ask for the question to be asked in a different way.

4. Keep it simple

Keep your answers short and concise. If not, the journalist may lose interest before you get to your key message and you may miss an opportunity. Keep your answers focused and deliver them passionately and confidently.

 

FURTHER READING: How to build a working relationship with your local media

 

5. Know your audience

You are not trying to satisfy the journalist; you are trying to satisfy the audience they are representing. Make sure you know whom the audience is and what they will be expecting.

6. Be mindful of your body language

We want to be able to trust you. Looking nervous and lacking in confidence will make the audience lack confidence in what you are saying. Relax, keep a clear head and focus on those key messages.

 

Media training shouldn’t be daunting; it’s actually good fun! For the past 20 years we’ve been showing individuals how in getting the right message delivered with the right tone, the results can be remarkable. Once you know what you’re trying to achieve and how that fits in with the way the media operates, you’ll never look back.