Home
>
Public Relations
>
Media Training 201: The Reporters Have Done Their Homework. Have You Done Yours?

Media Training 201: The Reporters Have Done Their Homework. Have You Done Yours?

Just about anyone who has been in the public eye has a story of the media interview that went south. "I talked to that reporter for an hour and all they used was a ten-second sound bite!" or, "He said he wanted to ask me about X when that was just a way to get in the door so he could talk about Y." Chances are, the reporter came armed with questions and if he really did his homework, knew what answers to expect. You should be just as prepared. Media training can't make the tough questions go away, but it can give you the tools to control the interview. Here are some tips:

? Anticipate the toughest questions and prepare/rehearse your answers in advance. Know going in what YOUR goal is for the interview. Are you releasing new information or reacting to an event or story that's already out there?

? Be able to cover key points in a conversational manner. Don't memorize. It will sound like it.

? Collect information from the reporter before the interview?

What is the deadline?

What is the story about? What is the hook/interest angle?

How do I fit into the story? What do you want? Quote? Statement? Interview?

Who else have you spoken with? What did they say? (This will also give an indication of where the story is heading. Are the other interviewees credible?)

What documents do you have have/need? (Does the reporter have a document you haven't seen? Have them fax or e-mail a copy before the interview.)

When will the story run? How long will it be? (There's a big difference between a minute-thirty TV news story, and a long, background article in the morning paper.)

? Have a mini-tape recorder handy. Tell the reporter that you'll be taping the interview, so you have a copy of what is said. This lets her know you're not a rookie.

? Beware of the reporter on a "fishing expedition". Wide-ranging, vague questions can be tricky and potentially dangerous. Reporters are fond of "What if" scenarios or "Could it happen here?" Clarify what she's going for. "I think what you're asking is?" It's O.K. to admit you don't understand the question or can't predict the future. If you find the interview veering off-course, bring it back on track. "You said we'd be talking about X and I'll be happy to answer your questions about that."

? Don't say "off the record" or believe something will be "off the record." There's no such thing as "off the record."

? Use simple terminology. If the subject is complicated, and the reporter is not up to speed, provide a simple verbal primer on the topic before the interview begins or give the reporter a handout of key information.

? Practice. Attend media training. See yourself on camera so you know what the audience will see.

The simple strategy of "tell 'em what you're gonna to tell 'em, tell 'em, and then tell 'em what you told 'em" is tried and true when it comes to the media interview. That leads to another tip. Know when to stop talking. Many a damaging sound bite has been uttered when the interviewee's guard was down, after he/she thought the interview was over.

Through their workshops, seminars and consulting projects, Nancy Stern MA and Jody Hammond, MA, help people keep connected through conscious communication and savvy media skills. They can be reached for communication skills and media training at 800-280-2666 or on the web at http://www.onthespotmediatraining.com

limo prices to midway Crystal Lake west of Randal .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

Creating an email alias can help clean up your inbox by organizing emails based on purpose, like creating different aliases for shopping, newsletters and work.

A multipurpose robotic system promises to transform how items are stacked onto pallets, aiming to maximize space utilization and reduce shipping costs.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

The number of people affected by a UnitedHealth data breach in February 2024 was actually higher than previously reported and was the largest medical data breach in U.S. history.

A phishing campaign uses Google Calendar to schedule fake meeting invitations that appear legitimate, redirecting targets to phishing sites.

Toll road text scam: Fake messages claim unpaid fees, seek payment via fraudulent links. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says this scam is becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says these steps ensure that your friends and family get to the exact moment you want them to see. Try it out and streamline your sharing experience.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers tips on how to protect your identity: Be vigilant, monitor accounts, use smart security, know theft response.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says cybercriminals are exploiting iMessage phishing protection, tricking users to reactivate links.

It's hard to imagine life without in-flight Wi-Fi these days – but sky-high web surfing comes with its own set of privacy concerns. Here's how to protect yourself.

Over 400,000 cases of credit card fraud were reported in 2024 to the Federal Trade Commission. The CyberGuy explains how to protect against becoming another victim.

A nondescript metal box transforms into a fully functional electric motorcycle that blurs the line between vehicle and urban infrastructure.

Many apps unrelated to location still ask users for tracking permission, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit seeking to end this alleged practice by Allstate.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Melody, the artificial intelligence-powered robot, is life-sized and represents a move toward creating robots that resemble people in appearance and interaction.

Here are five easy smartphone rules from the National Security Agency that you can follow to better protect your mobile device from hackers and scammers.

A U.S. robotics company has developed "Jennie," a robotic pet powered by artificial intelligence that's designed to comfort those facing mental health challenges.

Healthcare records for more than 184 million Americans were breached in 2024, but you can take steps to minimize that risk. Kurt the CyberGuy explains.

The Skyrider X1 from Rictor claims to be the "first amphibious flying passenger motorcycle," and it combines land and air travel in one sleek design.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Home inventory and restoration apps help itemize and track every item in your home in the event you have to make an insurance claim after a natural disaster.

The White House launched a new cybersecurity safety label, the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, intended to help consumers make informed decisions on smart device safety.

Today's tech can help make life so much easier — if you know how to use it. Here are a few tips on the quickest and best ways to make your phone, laptop and other devices work for you.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers Windows 11 restart fixes: Update drivers, run system scans and check hardware.

Sony and Honda's Afeela 1 EV launches with advanced tech and entertainment for $89,900. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson gives his takeaways.

Media Training 201: The Reporters Have Done Their Homework. Have You Done Yours?

Public Relations