Press Room

Tips for Media Interviews

1. Familiarize yourself with the editor/reporter and the media outlet prior to your interview.

2. Think of 2-3 key points you want to get across to the reporter and then be certain you make those points.

3. Keep your answers to questions short and concise. Avoid rambling. Don't be evasive. Be positive.

4. Remember, nothing is ever "off the record."

5. If you feel flustered or lose your train of thought in the middle of an interview- STOP, PAUSE and say, "May I please start over" or "Let me clarify my last statement" if live radio or TV.

6. Never say NO comment. Say, "It's too early to predict…" or "I'd really like to give you that information, but I just can't right now. I'll be glad to let you know as soon as I can."

7. Never speculate. If you're not sure of something, be honest and tell the reporter "I'm not sure" - "I can find that out and get back with you" or "That's outside my area of expertise." If you promise to get back to the reporter make sure you do.

8. Don't let the reporter put words in your mouth; say it in your words.

9. Use anecdotes, analogies and numbers. Be specific.

10. Always give a summation statement at the end of your interview. Oftentimes, the summary statement becomes a leading quote in a news article. Many reporters conclude their interviews by asking "Do you have anything more to add?" This is a perfect opportunity to sum up your major points succinctly and completely.

11. Relax. Learn from each interview.

12. Points may occur to you after the interview that wish you had made. Call the reporter back with follow-up comments. If you are feeling uneasy about something you said in an interview, you cannot retract it, but you can call the reporter back to expand on the subject.

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