MEDIA TRAINING: How Big is One Good Bite?

    

Reporters are "On a Mission"

Today, you’re being interviewed by a local television reporter or a writer whose job is to put together a feature…. or news story with a local angle. 

    True or False… the person who’s about to interview you is most likely thinking about several of your thoughts and will use much of the interview.

    The answer is false.  This “interview” is really just about your “best stuff” and your big comment that supports something they’re looking to write about.  In media terms… it’s a simple “sound bite” that they’re after and they’ll know immediately when they’ve heard what they want.

    Reporters are on a mission.  Even more so in today’s media world…. where everything needs to be concise and delivered in a way that’s easily digestible for an audience with short attention spans.  They know what they want.  They know what they want to hear.

    So here are a few things to consider when you are on the receiving end of questions.

 Have an idea of where they’re going.  In other words, anticipate, anticipate and anticipate.  If you have an idea of what they’re after then you have a better chance of having your answer put in their story.

Realize you aren’t a lock for print.  There’s no guarantee they’ll use your material.  You may not be the only subject being interviewed.  So know that going in and if you have a desire to be read or heard or seen… then deliver something worthy.

If it’s a television interview... pay attention to your own body language.  Smile when warranted and deliver with enthusiasm. 

 Time is not on your side.  Especially on television.  Chances are they’re only going to take your best 8-15 seconds so say something impactful and say something that delivers a message you’d want repeated.

Don’t worry about being perfect.  When it’s not live… it will be edited.  They won’t put a poorly delivered comment in print or on television unless they have to.  And rarely would that happen. 

Media pulls & uses THE BEST QUOTE

    Television and print are two very different mediums.  Television is usually more time sensitive and looking for the short and juicy quote.  Print reporters can use more if they have room for more.  “Space” is their key issue.  But no matter which type of reporter is interviewing you… keep in mind that short, sweet and powerful is the mission.  The better you can say it, and the better the delivery … the better chance you’ll see it show up on television or in the paper the next day.

Thought for the Day:  Sure, it’s about what you say.  But even more important is how you say it and how concisely you can deliver it.

    Thanks for following along… and sharing this blog.  And you can share comments here or directly on twitter as well by following me @KraigKann