Are you ready to take your media interviews from meh to marvelous? Let's dive into some insider tips that'll have you mastering the media game like a pro. Whether you're the face of a startup or the voice of a Fortune 500, these strategies are your secret sauce to shining in the spotlight.
As a seasoned media trainer, I've distilled years of expertise into actionable insights to elevate your presence in media interviews. The landscape is dynamic and demands not only proficiency but also charisma.
10 Media Interview Tips
Ace Your Media Interviews with These Pro Tips
1. Do Your Detective Work
Before you step into that interview, put on your detective hat. Get to know the show you'll be on, the person who'll be grilling you with questions, and what the audience loves to hear. This isn't just homework; it's your strategy playbook.
2. Have Your Sound Bites Ready
Got something important to say? Make it snappy and memorable. Those key messages are your interview bread and butter – know them, love them, and deliver them with punch.
3. Rehearse Like You're Headlining Broadway
Grab a buddy, hit the record button, or chat up your reflection – whatever it takes to get your interview chops up to snuff. It's your personal dress rehearsal for the big show.
4. Dress to Impress (Your Audience)
Think of your outfit as your armor – it's got to look good on screen and make you feel like a million bucks. And hey, a little anti-sweat gear for those under-the-lights moments? Genius.
5. Body Language is Your Unspoken Story
Your words are only part of the conversation. How you sit, stand, and gesture tells its own tale. So tell a good one with confident posture and purposeful gestures.
6. Keep It Short and Sweet
In the world of media, less is often more. Those journalists have deadlines to meet and so do you. Get to the point, and you'll be the interview they remember – for all the right reasons.
7. Be Unapologetically You
People can spot a phony a mile away. So be genuine, be you, and let that authenticity shine. That's how you'll truly connect with your audience.
8. Learn the Art of the Pivot
Thrown a curveball question? No sweat. It's all about steering things back to what you want to talk about – with a touch of grace and a dash of savvy.
9. Keep Calm and Interview On
Nerves? They're just proof you're human. Channel that energy into your performance, and before you know it, you'll be the one setting the interview pace.
10. Don't Ghost – Follow Up
When the cameras stop rolling, the relationship-building starts. A simple thank you can open doors to future gigs and partnerships. It's just good manners, and good business.
Pepper these tips throughout your interview prep, and you'll not only ace your next media appearance, you'll be the one they call back for more. Now, go get 'em, media star!
Alison Deyette is a TV host, brand spokesperson, and media training/on-camera coach. She has helped CEOs, executives, on-air personalities, athletes, experts and a long list of Fortune 500 companies develop and express their messaging and content for television, web series, social media, corporate video, public speaking, and presentations. As your media trainer and on-camera coach, she’ll help to transform you into a powerful, confident, and focused speaker or personality. She is the regular lifestyle expert for The Kelly Clarkson Show, KTLA Los Angeles, Inside Edition, Extra, Access Hollywood, Today and regularly works with brands on HSN, QVC and other networks.
