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So you’ve landed an interview with a respected reporter. Congrats!
The story they publish or clip they air will be amazing for your business—if you get the interview right.
In today’s rapid-fire, 24-hour news cycle, it’s easy for one misinterpreted or out-of-context quote to become a viral social media story.
With the right approach, though, you’ll be able to give a clear, on-message interview—even if the journalist veers off track.
Here are six media relations tactics to take into your next interview.
1. Speak in sound bites. When you’re responding to interview questions, less is more. You want to address the question fully, but you can’t expect a reporter to pick up the “best parts” of your answer if you give a long-winded diatribe. Remember that the most resonant quotes are short and memorable. Practice saying your key messages out loud until they flow as strong, one-sentence statements.
2. Think like a journalist. It’s unrealistic to expect that a reporter will ask you only about the brand messages you want to share. However, you won’t always get to see your interview questions ahead of time, so it’s important to put yourself in a journalist’s shoes. Based on the writer’s beat and the publication they’re writing for, consider what information might add context and flavor to their story. Be prepared to engage in a dialogue, and arm yourself to answer any tough questions.
3. Mind what you say. Just as in a court of law, anything you say to a reporter can be