How to Avoid Mistakes in Media Interviews – Video

See all presentation training videos

Introduction: The Biggest Media Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

This video explains the most common mistakes people make in media interviews and why they happen. You’ll learn how to avoid getting dragged into the journalist’s agenda, how to stay focused on your own messages and why preparing for difficult questions in advance is essential to a successful interview.

What you’ll learn: Avoiding Common Media Interview Mistakes

• Why answering the question in full can derail your interview
• How to use every question as a platform for your key messages
• Why journalists are not giving you an easy ride, even if you are polite
• How staying focused prevents you backing into awkward territory
• Why preparing for tough and unwelcome questions matters
• How to keep control of your media interview without sounding evasive

Summary: Stay on Message, Don’t Get Waylaid and Prepare for Tough Questions

The biggest mistake in media interviews is treating them like normal conversations. Many interviewees hear a question and respond politely and in detail, hoping to be helpful. But that is how you get waylaid. It’s fine to acknowledge the question and answer briefly, but every question is really an opportunity to deliver what you came to say. Another trap is thinking a friendly smile will soften the journalist. It won’t. Media interviews are not chitchat. If you lose focus, you can find yourself retreating into positions you never intended to take.

Finally, many people fail before the interview even begins because they haven’t thought through what they might be asked. Preparation means listing likely questions, including the awkward ones, and working out how to respond while keeping your messages clear. When you do that, you stay in control and your interview works for you.

Mini FAQ: Handling Media Interviews Properly

What’s the biggest mistake in a media interview?
Answering the question too fully and letting it drive the interview. You should use questions to deliver your own messages.

Should I ignore the journalist’s question?
No. Acknowledge it and answer briefly, then move to what you need to say.

Why doesn’t being friendly help?
Because journalists are doing their job, not having a social chat. You still need focus and control.

How do I prepare for difficult questions?
Brainstorm everything you might be asked, especially the questions you don’t want, and plan confident, message-led responses.

Transcript (edited)

The biggest mistake people make when being interviewed by the media is to answer the question. By that, I mean they get waylaid by the question and, like polite people, try to help the journalist by answering it in detail. It’s fine to acknowledge the question and answer it briefly, but every question is an opportunity to say what you want to say. You’re not doing press interviews for fun. You’re doing them for a reason. So listen to the question, acknowledge it, then get your messages across.

Another big mistake is thinking that if you smile nicely at the journalist, they’ll go easy on you. It doesn’t work like that. You’re not having a friendly chat. You need to be focused and stay on track, otherwise you’ll find yourself backing away into positions you don’t want.

A further mistake is not thinking in advance about what you might be asked. Many people haven’t considered the questions journalists will raise, including the ones they don’t want to face but the media will be interested in. Think through all possible questions, including the unwelcome ones, and decide what you’re going to say.

Suggested Links

• Prepare your key messages for media interviews
• Learn how to stay on track under pressure
• Handle difficult and hostile media questions
• Build confidence through realistic media interview rehearsal

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation