How to handle a media interview

How to handle a media interview
By: Cheldy Sygaco Elumba-Pableo, MPA;Llb
(From the different point of views)

Just because you aren't in the hot seat
doesn't mean an interview doesn't take some
preparation on your side of the desk.
Cheldy Sygaco Elumba-Pableo,MPA;Llb

THE REPORTER'S PURPOSE IN AN INTERVIEW IS TO:
Gain understanding of issues.
Collect relevant facts.
Obtain quotes from reputable sources.
Balance opposing views.
Cheldy Sygaco Elumba-Pableo,MPA;Llb

Contrary to common perceptions, most interviews
are NOT "INVESTIGATIVE" in nature.
Reporters are trained to gather news quickly and
accurately by conducting interviews with expert
sources like you.
Cheldy Sygaco Elumba-Pableo,MPA,Llb

Dos & Don'ts of Interviewing
1. DO KEEP ANSWERS SHORT. You may
do a television interview for 30 minutes, but
the average sound bite is 10 to 20 seconds
long, so be clear and concise.

2. DO USE FIRSTHAND EXAMPLES AND
DESCRIPTIVE LANGUAGE. Communicating
personal experiences can be dramatic and
powerful. Use them as often as possible.

3. DO USE PLAIN ENGLISH. Keep the audience
in mind, and speak in terms familiar to them.
Avoid medical jargon, such as "prophylaxis," and
"present to the emergency department". Don’t use
questionable humor (self-effacing humor is best),
profanity, or any kind of derogatory language.

4. DO PAUSE BEFORE ANSWERING. Take a
brief moment to consider your response. Even for
radio and television, this pause will seem
thoughtful and natural.

5. DO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. It's best to
answer even tough questions, or your credibility
with the audience may be damaged. But
remember, you're not obligated to agree to the
interviewer’s statements, and your mission is to
deliver your messages.

6. DO TAKE THE HIGH GROUND. Always respond
in a positive way, and turn negative questions or
comments into positive statements.

7. DO QUESTION FACTS, IF NECESSARY. If
confronted with findings or statistics you’re not
familiar with or you believe may be incorrect, say,
"I'm not familiar with those statistics so I really can't
comment on that matter" or "based on [cite other
statistics], the most important thing to remember is
[statement that communicates your message]".

8. DO USE BODY LANGUAGE EFFECTIVELY.
Studies show that voice inflection and body
language are even more important than the words
themselves when it comes to how messages are
received.

9. DON'T RAMBLE. Reporters often wait before
asking their next question to encourage you to
keep talking. Deliver your message concisely then
stop talking and wait for the next question.
Become comfortable with silence.

10. DON'T DISCUSS HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS
OR UNFAMILIAR MATTERS. If asked about a
situation or case of which you have incomplete
information, or about a hypothetical situation,
respond by discussing the issue instead. Say, "I can't
respond to hypothetical situations, but if you’re
asking about the issue of [state the issue], it’s clear
that [state your message]".

11. DON'T ARGUE OR INTERRUPT. You don't
have to agree, but don’t argue either. And don't
interrupt. Other guests are another matter. You
may need to jump in when another guest is talking
to correct misinformation or to comment.

12. DON’T LOSE YOUR TEMPER. You can tell a
reporter you prefer not to comment (explain why),
but never get angry. In taped interviews especially,
viewers may see only your angry response and not
hear the question that prompted it.
CheldySygaco Elumba-Pableo,MPA,Llb

DON'T LIE OR BLUFF. If you don't know an answer,
say so. You can damage your credibility by
speculating incorrectly. If you should know the
answer but don't, offer to research the answer, and
then be sure to follow up.

Face-To-Face
Interviewing
Tips

1.BE PREPARED
Face-To-Face Interviewing Tips
Find out exactly what you want to discuss. Identify two
or three key messages you want to published. Be aware
that a preliminary question.

2. RELAX AND BE PERSONABLE. Keep a good
sense of humor.

3. SUPPORT YOUR FACTS WITH WRITTEN
MATERIALS, if possible. Provide charts, news
articles, and data from reputable sources.

4. BE HONEST; avoid even the appearance of
deception. Dishonesty, or the appearance of it, can
severely damage your reputation.

5. USE BODY LANGUAGE AND FACIAL
EXPRESSIONS TO HELP CONVEY YOUR MESSAGE,
even though you're not on camera. This will help
persuade your interviewer, who in turn may persuade
the readers.

6. IF YOU WANT TO SPEAK "OFF THE RECORD" OR "FOR
BACKGROUND ONLY," MAKE SURE THE REPORTER
AGREES. If you feel the reporter needs further clarification,
and you want to be sure you won’t be quoted, say this is
"off the record" or for "deep background and not to be
attributed to me or quoted”

News Interview Tips

1. TALK IN SOUND BITES. Although the camera
may film you for 15 minutes, you will only be on
the air for about 10 to 20 seconds (unless it’s a
documentary), so use brief, concise statements
TV InterviewTips

2. USE MEMORABLE WORDS. State your message
clearly and powerfully.
TV InterviewTips

3. LOOK YOUR BEST. Take advantage of television
makeup artists, if offered. Consider having your
hair professionally cut or styled. Don’t wear
multiple patterns
TV InterviewTips

4. CONCENTRATE ON THE INTERVIEWER, NOT
THE CAMERA. Maintain eye contact with the
interviewer and smile.
TV InterviewTips

TV InterviewTips
5. TALK TO THE FLOOR MANAGER AND CAMERA
CREW PRIOR TO THE SHOW. One of their
responsibilities is to help you do a great job by
making you comfortable. Don’t be afraid to ask
questions

6. WATCH YOUR BODY LANGUAGE. Stand or sit
straight. Don’t fold your arms, and appear open and
in control. Don’t let your shoulder blades touch the
back of your chair.
TV InterviewTips

TV InterviewTips
7. TELEVISION TALK SHOWS. Don't be afraid to
engage in discussions when there are other people
on the show with you. This is essential to
communicating your message.

8. STAND-UP INTERVIEWS. Take command of your
space by standing with one foot slightly ahead of the
other, toward the interviewer.
TV InterviewTips

THANK YOU FOR READING!
CHELDHAYE

How to handle a media interview

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