Here are our top tips to help you get the most from your five minutes of broadcast fame:
- Write down your three key messages as bullet points
- Use everyday language - simple words, no jargon
- Avoid lists or numbers - break facts into short, digestible chunks
- Resist the temptation to 'plug' things – it doesn’t make a good interview
- Switch off your mobile - even on silent they transmit interference
- Finally, have fun, enjoy the experience!
Courting Controversy...
- If your topic is in the news or likely to be controversial, ensure you are up to date and well briefed before accepting an invitation to speak
- Make positive statements – never say ‘no comment’, it is defensive
- Don’t allow a cynical journalist to rattle you – that is their job! Stay calm and polite, answer truthfully and stick to known facts
- Your PR adviser is the best judge of individual situations, but tough interviews often present an OPPORTUNITY to present your side of a controversy
- Be prepared - ask about our media training service.
For radio interviews, if you have access to ISDN or a local studio, use it if you can – it’s far better than a crackly telephone and worth the effort.
If you are regularly called upon to give radio interviews, ask about our ISDN installation service – the equipment is small and easy to use and we can also set you up with record facilities.