WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO APPROACH AN INTERVIEW ON TV, RADIO OR PODCAST?
Melinda Marcus, M.A., CSP
Shows leaders how to read Body Language and Influence Decisions? Speaks and Consults on how to win new clients, career opportunities and support of stakeholders ? Author of "Read The Zoom"
As a consultant, I’m often engaged by leaders to prep them for media interviews. Sometimes, these interviews are in response to a crisis. Other times, these are opportunities to get positive exposure for a new initiative.
In either case, there are lots of ways it can take a wrong turn if you don’t know how to approach it.
Here are 3 Pro Tips that have helped my clients win over audiences:
1)?Keep in mind that your audience is not the journalist. Your audience is your stakeholders and prospects. You have to answer questions in a way that makes sense to them. You do not have to convince the journalist of anything.
2)?Resist the urge to memorize the message. Know your talking points, but approach it as you would a conversation. People will not see you as authentic if you appear to be reading or reciting your points.
3) Your appearance, body language and vocal patterns are major factors. If you seem uncomfortable because you are not used to being on camera, viewers may misinterpret that as a lack of confidence about what you are saying. They don’t see the cameras – they just see you. Be intentional about what you wear. Prep and practice with an expert before you do the real interview.
Being interviewed for television, radio or video podcasts is not a natural thing for most people. You need to think in sound bites, not detailed explanations. If you prepare well, it can expand your exposure and boost your business.
What’s been your experience with media interviews? What’s worked and what hasn’t?
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Learn to use the latest brain science to move from stress to calm confidence
1 个月this is neurologically very savvy .. I will be looking forward to more from these folks
Learn to use the latest brain science to move from stress to calm confidence
1 个月Thank you Melinda Marcus, M.A., CSP for sharing this. This is neurologically very savvy ....vocal patterns influence the way the listeners brain engages with the speaker as well as processes what is heard.
Leadership, Executive Coach, Team Facilitator, Strategic Advisory
1 个月Melinda Marcus, M.A., CSP You are right on all counts including sound bites for TV and quotes for print that they're looking for. In 2018, I opened my testimony on the last panel of the hearing before the Canadian Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce with a statement that was the only thing I said that made the national news. It was: "...the proposal before us from Stats Canada as presented today and what we have heard is simply a non-starter for Canadian consumers." That helped the media frame the issue and bridge to officials grilled in the media scrum. This next soundbite worked but violates the basics of not using the media's negative framing. Over 90 minutes the TV network anchor and an investigator asked me to admit our public insurer wasted millions on a systems rewrite. I knowingly gave them the promo they ran for three weeks by pointing while I firmly stated: "There is no waste." I knew full well it'd resonate as it came on the heels of Bill Clinton's famous denial about sexual relations. My only other option was waving audited financial statements or the independent consulting report they didn't know I had. I was guided by my adage in issues management: If we're explaining we're losing. It worked.
Helping individuals and teams rethink their limits and navigate challenges! ?? Motivational Keynote Speaker | Executive Life Coach | Bestselling Author | 2x Olympic Champion (bobsleigh) | World Rugby Hall of Famer
1 个月"You need to think in sound bites, not detailed explanations." GREAT advice!!! During my time competing in the Olympics, I had to do a number of interviews and I had a great relationship with media. But it's a good thing I wasn't trying to get across a business message at the time, because I definitely didn't think or speak in sound bites! ??