One of the best ways to have a positive media interview, is to be confident, competent, relaxed and ready for the questions you will be asked. And the best way to be this relaxed and ready is to ensure you have regular media training to keep your skills in tip top shape!
Media Training – Nerves are Normal
Many people feel nervous before a media interview, nerves are normal, even the most experienced spokespeople can feel a little jittery before an interview. But they then lean on the tools that they have learned through their media training and are able to move through the nerves and are able to give a good account of themselves and the topic or company they are representing in a media interview setting.
Why Media Interviews can Be Daunting
The fear of getting a question that you don’t know the answer too, forgetting talking points, or getting drawn into topics you want to avoid are all real fears when it comes to media interviews. Some people, even experienced spokespeople, may have had negative experiences they don’t want to repeat and this causes nerves before the next media interview. The good news is that most people feel this way before a media interview and the tips, tricks and tools you will learn at a Media Interview training session with Hawkeye Media will allay these fears and ensure you can tackle each and every perceived problem with confidence and positivity.
Tips to Combat Media Interview Nerves
A bespoke training session, built for your specific needs and industry is the best way to ensure you feel confident enough for even the toughest of media interviews, but here are some general tips to help you out.
Build Confidence – If you are completely new to media interviews then build your confidence by starting small. If you don’t feel ready for a TV or Radio interview then start with your local or industry specific papers or blogs. Having an off air experience with a reporter gives you a feel for what a live on air interview may be like, and you can take more time to think about your answers with this type of interview.
Don’t Overprepare – Remember that there is a big difference between being well-prepared and completely overpreparing which will cause more anxiety than you need. Don’t try and cram everything at the last minutes, if you are well prepared you should have your salient notes, and talking points already prepared so stick with reviewing those rather than going through all the detail again. Stick to the message and your memorable stories or facts, this will make you not only look more polished and professional but will help calm your nerves too.
Prepare Difficult Questions – Everyone, once in a while is thrown a curve ball in an interview, but foe the most part difficult questions can be anticipated and rehearsed so you feel confident that you can answer whatever is asked of you.
Cover the Basics – Interviews can be stressful enough so don’t add to your anxiety with extra stress. If you need to be at a specific place or at a specific time then leave enough time to find where you need to go and be early so you have time to relax when you get there.
The best way to be prepared for a media interview is to have regular and realistic media training. Discuss your needs with the expert team at Hawkeye and be prepared to be confident at your next media interview.