Becoming a better media spokesperson requires a combination of effective communication skills, preparation, and confidence. There are practical ways to engage with the media such as seeking opportunities to tell your story and ensuring you understand the media landscape so you can effectively engage with it, but ultimately a good media interview comes down the person delivering the message – you!
Media Spokesperson Tips
Whether you’re representing a company, organisation, or yourself, here are some tips to help you excel in this role:
- Know Your Message: Clearly define your key messages and talking points. Understand what you want to convey to the audience and stick to these messages during interviews.
- Prepare Thoroughly: Research the topic, the interviewer, and the media outlet you’ll be speaking with. Be aware of their audience and style.
- Anticipate potential questions and practice your responses.
- Familiarise yourself with any recent news or developments related to your topic.
- Craft a Compelling Narrative: Storytelling can be a powerful tool. Create a narrative that illustrates your message and engages the audience emotionally.
- Stay Calm and Composed: Nervousness is natural, but practice relaxation techniques to stay composed. Deep breathing and positive visualisation can help.
- Avoid filler words like “um,” “uh,” or “like” to appear more confident and articulate.
- Practice Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with a colleague or media trainer to simulate real interview scenarios. Record and review these practice sessions to identify areas for improvement.
- Use Simple and Clear Language: Avoid jargon and technical terms unless you are speaking to an audience that understands them. Use simple, straightforward language to ensure your message is easily understood.
- Maintain Control: Be polite but assertive during interviews. Politely steer the conversation back to your key messages if the interviewer goes off-topic or asks unrelated questions.
- Body Language Matters: Maintain good eye contact with the interviewer. Use open and confident body language. Avoid crossing your arms, fidgeting, or looking uncomfortable.
- Be Authentic: Authenticity builds trust. Be yourself and let your passion for the topic shine through. Admit when you don’t know the answer to a question and offer to follow up with more information.
- Stay Informed and Up to Date: Keep abreast of current events, trends, and developments in your field. Offer insights and opinions that demonstrate your expertise and relevance.
- Handle Tough Questions: Prepare for challenging or negative questions. Practice responding to criticism or controversial topics with poise and professionalism.
- Follow Up: After the interview, follow up with the media outlet to provide additional information or clarify any points if necessary.
- Review and Learn: Review your media appearances to evaluate your performance and identify areas for improvement. Continuously strive to enhance your spokesperson skills.
The best tip we can give however is to invest in media training. Not only will you gain practical ways on how to implement the above tips in the most effective way possible, but you will also learn range of other tips, training, and information you will need to be the best media spokesperson you can be. Hawkeye Media will craft and create engaging and effective training for you or your whole team, ensuring you are ready to face the media with poise and professionalism.
Remember that becoming a better media spokesperson is a gradual process. With practice and a commitment to improvement, you can effectively convey your message and represent your organisation or cause in a positive and impactful manner.