Tips for your best media interview

Media interviews can be nerve-wracking. Lights, cameras, and someone asking you questions can feel a bit intense, but it does not have to be terrifying.

First off, stay calm. Think of it like a conversation with a friend or family member. If you can keep it casual, you will be seen as confident and in control. You need to know your stuff, but you are not a robot. Write out some talking points, but don’t necessarily memorize a script. Focusing on your main points will allow you to talk naturally and keep things flowing.

Practice your interview – either by yourself or with someone’s help. While your answers don’t need to be perfect, it’s important to be able to respond quickly on your feet. If you trip over your words or are trying to respond to a question that you may not have expected, that’s okay. Feel free to restart the point you were trying to make.

Make sure that when you are responding to the reporter’s questions that you are keeping it short and sweet. You should also keep in mind your body language. If you are in a chair, sit up. If you are standing, don’t sway. Make eye contact and smile when it feels right. These small things can really help get your message across.

And finally, have fun with this opportunity. This is your chance to share what you are passionate about. Even if it’s not perfect, it’s all part of the learning experience. The more you do, the better you’ll get, and who knows, you might even start looking forward to these interviews!