Communicating with journalists is never entirely safe — for them, a sensation is often more important than the truth. Every time you step in front of a microphone, reporters will be ready to pounce. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to communicate properly with journalists.
There are certain principles in dealing with the press that everyone who regularly interacts with the media eventually comes to understand. AdmiGram.com will walk you through them, so you can learn from these rules instead of learning the hard way. Follow them in your communication with journalists, and things should go smoothly.
Top 10 Rules for Effective Journalist Interviews
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1. Agree on the topic and format of the meeting in advance. It’s important to limit and control the subject of your discussion with the press. Don’t let journalists stray from the topic at hand — straying off-topic often leads to saying things you’ll regret.
2. Always coordinate the interview format. In other words, always have a clear plan for your interaction with the media: the subject of discussion, the number and structure of questions, and the time allotted for questions and answers. An interview is an event with clear rules, not a casual conversation.
3. Prepare seriously for the meeting. Thoroughly research the topic of the meeting with the media. Carefully consider what you’re going to say. Rehearse your remarks in front of a mirror — this is especially important if you’re a beginner. Choose attire that suits the format of the meeting; your appearance matters too.
4. Control the interview, don’t let it control you. Remember, in an interview, you’re the “star,” and you should set the tone for everything that happens, especially since you’ve already agreed on the format with the press. Don’t let your interview turn into chaos. Control everything firmly and clearly.
5. Be prepared for the unexpected. Even if you’ve tried to keep everything under control, unforeseen situations can still arise. Uncomfortable questions, provocative journalists, and attempts to trip you up — all of these can easily happen during an interview. Anticipate them and prepare in advance.
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6. Be concise but specific. Speak briefly, directly, and thoughtfully — as if you were a teacher explaining a lesson to students in front of you. Your answers should be clear and leave no room for misinterpretation. Never lie or evade questions — it never works.
7. Refrain from stating personal opinions. Sharing your personal opinion is essentially making a forecast about the future — and it can come back to hold you accountable if things don’t turn out that way. Steer journalists away from such traps by making clear that you’re engaging in a serious conversation, not predicting the weather.
8. Address problems proactively. The biggest mistake in a crisis is concealing or denying obvious facts. It’s better to inform the press about the scope of the problem yourself, rather than waiting for journalists to distort the truth. Remember, nothing stays hidden for long.
9. Don’t chase after fame. Agree to interviews or media appearances only when they genuinely serve a purpose — otherwise, it’s better to decline. Sharing excessive or unnecessary information only diminishes its value.
10. Stay vigilant at all times. Understand that there’s no such thing as an off-the-record or casual encounter with a journalist. Anything you say to them will likely end up in the media. When in doubt, remember the wisdom: silence is golden.
image on top: Vlad Deep / Unsplash
