Communicating with journalists is never safe because for them, a sensation is much more important than the truth. Every time you open your mouth in front of a microphone, the press sharks are ready to tear you apart. Therefore, it is very important to know and learn how to communicate properly with journalists.
There are certain postulates in dealing with the press that absolutely everyone who actively communicates with the media sooner or later comes to understand. AdmiGram.com will tell you about them, so that you learn these rules without making mistakes yourself. Use them in your communication with journalists, and everything will be fine!
Top 10 rules for effective journalist interviews
© Jaime Lopes / Unsplash
Agree on the topic and format of the meeting in advance. It is important to limit and control the subject of your discussion with the press. You should not allow journalists to deviate from the topic of conversation. Discussing irrelevant topics often leads to regret about inadvertently said words.
Always coordinate the interview format. In other words, you should always have a clear communication plan with the media. The subject of discussion, the number and regulation of questions, the time interval for questions and answers. An interview is an event with clear rules, not a conversation about irrelevant topics.
Prepare for the meeting seriously. Thoroughly work on the topic of the meeting with the media. Carefully consider what you will say. Rehearse your speech in front of a mirror – this is very important, especially when you are a beginner. Choose attire for the meeting that suits the communication format. Your appearance is also very important.
Control, don’t be controlled. Remember, in the interview, you are the ‘star,’ and you should set the tone for everything that happens. Especially since you have clearly agreed on the format with the press. Don’t let your interview turn into a chaos, control everything that happens firmly and clearly.
Be prepared for the unexpected. Even if you have tried to keep everything under control, unforeseen events can still occur. Uncomfortable questions, provocative journalists, and attempts to confuse you – all of this can easily happen during an interview. Anticipate and prepare for these situations in advance.
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Be concise but specific. Speak briefly, directly, and thoughtfully. As if you are a teacher and in front of you are students, and you are explaining a lesson to them. Your answers should be clear and understandable, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Never lie or evade answers – it never works.
Refrain from stating personal opinions. Remember, your opinion is merely a hypothetical forecast of future events, which in most cases can hold you accountable for unfulfilled promises. Deter journalists from such provocations, emphasizing that you are engaging in a serious conversation, not predicting the weather.
Address the issue proactively. The most significant mistake in crisis situations is either concealing or denying obvious facts. It’s better to provide information to the press about the extent of the problem first, rather than waiting for journalists to distort the truth. Remember, nothing can be concealed in our world.
Don’t chase after fame. Agree to interviews or the publication of information in the media only if it genuinely serves a purpose. Otherwise, it’s better to decline. Excessive or unnecessary information devalues its importance.
Stay vigilant at all times. Understand that there are no chance or informal encounters with journalists and policymakers. Everything you say to them will likely surface in the media. When communicating with anyone, follow the wisdom: ‘Silence is golden.’
image on top: Vlad Deep / Unsplash
