Ace Your Next Media Interview with This Simple Yet Time-Tested Strategy

Colleagues – If you’re filled with nerves before a media interview, here’s a PR tip that will never fail you. In fact, if you follow this simple-to-remember rule, it will really improve your performance in media interviews.

The rule is:

Answer every question in just two sentences and stop.

Start with a simple answer, not the full explanation; and you may reinforce your point with a brief supporting fact or example, but simply say two sentences and stop. Make it 30 seconds max, and ideally get to your main point in just 10 seconds.

Do not ramble or tell a short story unless you are asked to.

 

You are allowed to go over that limit only if you stop every three or four sentences, and say something like, "Am I going too fast? Am I being clear? Does that answer your question?” 

 

You may also say, “Would you like more of the background or the history?” But even if they say yes, stick to the best practice of stopping frequently to make sure they are with you.

 

Keeping your answers to just 30 seconds or less will serve your interests by making you more quotable, especially in broadcast formats.

It will also give the reporter a chance to catch up in taking notes and asking you the questions they prepared.

 

The longer you talk, the more likely it is you will lose them, frustrate them, and be misquoted, which is not what you want.

 

Make every interview—heck, make every conversation—a practice session in being upfront, clear, and concise with your main messages. Don’t wing it; have a few prepared talking points in front of you. Be sure you convey your most important message in your first reply, and then repeatedly in a series of two-sentence chunks, with only short excursions into the supporting facts, nuances, and stories. 

 

Please let me know if you try this tactic, and if it works for you. Remember: Two sentences and stop!   

 

If you’re feeling challenged by media interview or any other strategic communications problem, contact me at dale@dalecurtiscommunications.com.