Navigating the media landscape with finesse and confidence is an art form that can propel you, your book, and your brand to new heights. Helping authors to prepare for media interviews is something I am pretty good at having done it for many years now. Whether it is a first time author, or an author on their sixth book, there is a new message that must be crafted and then presented in a way that captures others.
Not only is it important to know what to do and say during a media interview, it is critical to know what NOT to do or say. In fact, it may be more important. To ensure a successful media interaction, there are certain pitfalls you must avoid. Here are five crucial things to never do during a media interview, each of which can help you maintain professionalism, clarity, and control over your message.
5 things to avoid during any media interview
Never Go Off-Message: Always stick to your key points and main messages. Going off on tangents can dilute your message and lead to misinterpretation. That said, sometimes an interviewer will take you off topic by asking an unrelated question, so it is up to you to address their inquiry and bridge it back to one of your key messages. This needs to be done elegantly and seamlessly so that no one feels you’re avoiding the question, and so that it feels perfectly natural that the conversation has taken a turn.
Never Criticize Others: Avoid speaking negatively about competitors, colleagues, or any other individuals. This can come off as unprofessional and may create unnecessary conflict. A mark of a great communicator is their ability to express themselves in a way that carries great impact and influence while maintaining respect and consideration for others.
Never Show Unpreparedness: Always come prepared with facts, statistics, and anecdotes. But even more importantly, the way you present yourself speaks volumes. How you carry and hold yourself, your use of non-verbal language, and your ability to competently handle any surprises that come your way, mark you as a pro. (Or not depending on how you do.) Lack of preparation or appearing nervous or hesitant can make you seem unprofessional and will undermine your credibility.
Never Argue with the Interviewer: Engaging in an argument with the interviewer can make you appear defensive and uncooperative, and just comes across badly. Even if the host just said something inflammatory, you will be seen as the one in control if you hold your emotions in check and stick with the facts rather than hurling insults. Calmly and respectfully address any challenging questions or statements.
Never Use Jargon or Technical Terms: Unless it’s a show specifically for the audience that uses particular jargon and technical terms, avoid using language that the audience may not understand. Aim to communicate clearly and concisely, making your message accessible to a broader audience.
Bottom line
Every interview is an opportunity to build connections, showcase your expertise, and leave a lasting impression. Approach each media interaction with poise, preparation, and a clear sense of purpose, and you’ll truly embody the essence of a Media Darling. Let your authentic voice shine through, captivating audiences and creating meaningful dialogues that elevate your brand. And if you need any help, simply hit reply or contact me here.
To your success!
Joanne
P.S. At the time of this writing, the cross-country bike team has logged 3,100 miles in 31 days. Finishing week #4, Colorado and Kansas. And we’re getting tons of media in every city and town along the way, including the evening news on KAKE-TV and WSIL-TV. I will have links soon.
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