MEDIA TRAINING: Interview Checklilst

Opportunity Awaits

When is the last time you saw an interview subject get caught unprepared?  Stumped by the question... frustrated over the direction of the interview... or without a seeming interest in the process? 

I've seen it, lived it and felt uncomfortable for the person on the receiving end at times.  But not all the time.  And there's a reason.  Reporters or audience members have a job to do. Sure, some do it better than others.  And some are more cordial to the subject/person than others. But they shouldn't apologize for their profession... just as someone on the receiving end of the questions should give an excuse for not delivering a response that makes an impact.

So what to do with an interview opportunity?  Here's five ideas for a start to a great ending.

1. Mindset means everything.  I preach this time and time again.  An interview is an opportunity, NOT an obligation.  Treat it with that approach and you've achieved half the battle.  Those who look forward to what's possible set the mood that breeds success. Smile - if you're having fun, so is the audience and the reporter too.

2. Who's your interviewer? A question that needs to be thought about before you step into the ring.  The New York Times and 60 Minutes have a completely different reporter approach than Shape Magazine or Entertainment Tonight.  The line of questioning is different, the audience is different and so, too, should the way you answer the questions.

3. What's your message?  Do you have one?  Spend some time with your hopeful speaking points and your hopeful outcome.  Pick three things you want to have the reporter and the audience come away with.  Something special about you... something you believe in... and something of value.  Ask yourself... how am I different?  

4. How do I deliver?  Body language, enthusiasm, and energy are all parts of a dynamic or stale delivery.  Again, are you looking at this interview in a positive manner or as a means to an end?  Make sure your answers have some "pop" and something that leaves the interviewer remembering what you said.  

5. Thanks never hurts.  Appreciating the chance to be heard is a powerful thing.  It helps foster a relationship that goes beyond one reporter. Trust me, reporters talk and share stories about who they've spent time with.  Do you become an approachable "go to" subject?  That should be the goal.

Good Interviews (and bad) go Social

Being interviewed isn't a given for anyone.  Making sure the first time leads to a second time is a worthy goal.  Remember... good quotes and a good interview in today's world leads to a whole lot of "social media" to follow.  People talk about you!  But it takes work, preparation and polish.  So, make sure you take the time because its worth it - for you and those you represent.

As always, I welcome your thoughts and experiences and appreciate you following and sharing this blog with others.  And if there's a topic you'd like me to take head-on... drop it in the comments box!

Line of the Day:  Being the subject of an interview means you've been chosen. If you only have a few minutes to be there... figure out a way to make em' count and truly "be there."

 

Follow me on Twitter @KraigKann

For more media training commentary @HTKmedia