That media attention is nice, but it is useful to know in advance what you are going to say. After all, a solid media blunder can haunt a company for years to come. But anyway: how do you prevent a media blunder? Last month I met Machteld Kooij, who gives media training in the Netherlands. She interviewed me, among others, and it gave me the idea to write a blog about how to prevent media blunders!
An interview is just like giving a presentation. It works if you are well prepared. Get there on time, so you can arrange something if needed. You can change (if your clothes don’t fit the setting) or put a pillow on your chair (or something else that can serve as a pillow).
During the interview it is important to gain some time if things are moving too quickly.
Smile to fill a silence.
Say that you want to say two or three things, so they would let you talk (but then you do have to say those two or three things).
Drop a silence now and then.
Say something like “You would think so, but do you know what it’s really like…”
Or say “Good question.”
But above all: tell a good story. Answer the question in one sentence and then tell your story, and, if possible, your mission or vision. So answer quickly and then tell your story to prevent media blunders.
Would you like to practice this (with or without a camera)? Please contact us!
Learn more in our founder’s book: https://www.managementboek.nl/boek/9789089656780/nee-zeggen-loont-jennifer-delano
