Interviews
So you have been asked to do an interview…
If a journalist calls you for an interview, find out as much information about it as possible. The journalist will usually tell you which newspaper / radio station etc they are from, but there are many other things you will want to know to help you prepare. Some questions to ask may include:
• Will the interview be pre-recorded, or will the interview be ‘live'?
If the interview is live, everything you say will be included as you say it – you are on the air!. If it is pre-recorded, then they will only include the bits that they want their listeners to hear.
• Are there any specific aspects of (event / project) that you are interested in?
A journalist may be interested in a particular angel to your story. It will help you to know why they are interested
If a journalist calls you and asks to interview you right there and then, don't be afraid to say that you need a few minutes to get ready and that you will call them back. It is important to be prepared and clear in your mind about what you want to cover.
Some tips…
• Be prepared. Make sure you have a good understanding of the topic you will be talking about and find out about any aspects you are not familiar with. You will feel more relaxed and confident if you have a good understanding of what you will be talking about.
• Decide on two or three key messages, NO MORE! Focus on covering those messages really well throughout the interview. It is easy to get side tracked in an interview and realise at the end that you did not remember to say one of your most important key points!
• Write your two or three key messages down along with any important details you may need such as phone numbers or web address for further information. It is easy to ‘go blank' during and interview so having these handy will keep you on track.
• Never lie to the media. Tell the truth – always.
• Avoid subjects you may not want to speak about. Remember to always give an answer or have a way of keeping the conversation going. For example if you are asked something that you do not want to comment on you can say something like ‘ Im not sure about that, but what I do know is that this event will be…'
• Don't try to answer something you do not know. It is ok if you do not know the answer to a question.
• Relax, take a deep breath and be yourself!
Before the Interview:
• Always remember -- you do have a choice as to whether to be interviewed. If you are very uncomfortable with the idea, you can say no. You can also discuss options with the reporter -- you could request that only your first name be used, you can ask for anonymity, you can ask to be interviewed off-camera or you can ask to be interviewed later, when you're more comfortable. But whatever you do, don't back out because you're scared. The only way you'll get good at this is to do it! For more information see ( Knowing your rights )
• Think about why you are doing this interview -- you should have a reason for speaking to this reporter and whatever this reason is should stay fixed in your mind throughout the interview. Think about what your two or three main messages are and weave these into the answers you give.
• Be prepared. Ask the reporter on what subjects s/he plans to interview you. Think about what questions you may be asked and about the responses you can give.
• Avoid writing out and memorizing your statements word-for-word. A successful interview should never appear rehearsed.
During the Interview:
• Stay calm! Being interviewed is a golden opportunity for you to convey your message to a large audience.
• Treat the interviewer with respect. Remember that the reporter represents a larger audience -- so when you speak to a reporter, you are potentially speaking to hundreds (and even thousands) of people.
• If you come to a question you can't answer, say you don't know the answer offhand but you will try to find it and get back to them. Then, make sure you keep that promise.
• You may be asked a question you don't want to answer. If you are uncomfortable with a question, state simply and firmly that you would rather not comment on it.
• Be clear and assertive when speaking. Offer reporters just the facts; don't speculate or estimate, even if you're asked to.
• Don't feel you have to fill "dead air" -- if you're done answering a question, stop talking.
• Be helpful. After the interview, suggest other valuable sources or offer approaches to the story the reporter may not have already thought of.
TV Appearances
Television interviews are different from interviews done in print or even radio. In TV interviews, your appearance can become just as important as your words. Here are some general tips:
• Ask the reporter what s/he plans to ask you during the filmed interview. This will give you a chance to think of what you want to say before the cameras start rolling.
• Think of where you are being interviewed -- the location of your interview could reflect on the story, so if you are given a choice, suggest a location you are comfortable with.
• Avoid wearing anything that could distract the audience from hearing what you have to say, such as brightly coloured or white clothing, busy patterns or large jewellery.
• Whether you like it or not, some people will pass judgment on you by how you look. Ask yourself whether you want your words or your appearance to stand out.
• Always maintain eye contact with the person to whom you are speaking. This could be one reporter, several reporters, or a studio audience. Avoid shifting your eyes towards the camera. Pretend it's not there.
• Speak in sentences that are clear and concise. By giving reporters short, clear answers, reporters are less likely to edit your statements and cut out important points.
• Sit or stand still. Try not to fidget in front of the camera; little things like nail-biting or foot-tapping are magnified on-screen. Sit with your hands folded in your lap and both feet planted on the ground.
This information has been taken from Making Your Voice Heard: A Media Toolkit for Youth.