How To Talk To A Reporter?

Talking to reporters can seem intimidating, but it is an important way to get your voice heard. As experts in your respective fields, your perspectives are valuable additions to public discourse. However, communicating effectively with the media requires preparation and strategy.

This comprehensive guide provides easy-to-understand tips for talking to print, radio, TV, and online reporters. It covers best practices before, during, and after an interview to ensure your key messages come across clearly. With insight from veteran journalists themselves, these actionable recommendations will help you navigate any media interview with confidence.

Whether you are trying to promote a cause, highlight issues in your industry, or establish yourself as a thought leader, you need a media strategy. Read on to learn how to craft and deliver your narrative effectively.

Before the Interview: Research & Preparation

Careful preparation is key to presenting yourself well during a media interview. Follow these steps beforehand:

Understand the Reporter’s Angle

• Ask about the specific news hook, story angle, and intended audience. This provides context for framing your responses.
• Clarify the interview format – print, TV, radio or online. Different mediums have distinct needs.
• Get a sense of the reporter’s perspective. Are they an expert or a generalist? Objective or interpretive?

Define Your Key Messages

• Identify 2-3 key messages you want to convey based on the reporter’s angle.
• Craft sound bites – short, punchy sentences summing up your position.
• Prepare anecdotes and metaphors to illustrate abstract points.

Anticipate Likely Questions

• Research the reporter’s previous articles and the publication itself.
• Make an educated guess at questions they might ask.
• Outline answers to difficult questions. Don’t wing it!

Prepare Supporting Materials

• Provide context with facts, statistics, reports or other evidence for claims.
• Offer multimedia – photos, videos, graphics – if appropriate.
• Have contacts for follow-up interviews or quotes ready.

During the Interview: Rapport & Messaging

You set the tone for an interview in the first few minutes. Once underway, focus on conveying your message clearly and maintaining positive rapport with the reporter.

Build an Interpersonal Connection

• Break the ice by complimenting recent articles or referring to shared contacts.
• Use friendly body language – smile, make eye contact, mirror posture.
• Find common ground in hobbies or interests through conversational tangents.

Clarify Complex Points

• Use plain, jargon-free language suited to the target audience.
• Employ analogies and examples to illustrate abstract ideas.
• Admit knowledge gaps openly if unable to explain a concept simply.

Bridge Back to Your Message

• Answer the question asked, but pivot back to your key messages.
• Flag pivots using phrases like “That reminds me…” or “To your earlier point…”
• Redirect negative questions tactfully to focus on the positive.

Adjust to the Reporter’s Needs

• Be concise and soundbite-friendly for fast-paced TV interviews.
• Provide more context and detail for nuanced print profiles.
• Offer visuals if asked for a video or photo to accompany an online piece.

After the Interview: Follow Up & Feedback

The interview isn’t necessarily over once you say goodbye to the reporter. Follow up appropriately to sustain your media relationships.

Share Additional Info and Contacts

• Send any materials you failed to provide during the interview.
• Introduce reporters to contacts that help advance the story.

Provide Clarification Off the Record

• Address confusion over complex topics not fully explained on air.
• Correct any factual inaccuracies politely post-interview if needed.

Build an Ongoing Rapport

• Thank reporters for opportunities to contribute insights.
• Become a reliable industry expert reporters keep returning to.
• Offer exclusives on future news stories related to your field.

Monitor Coverage and Learn from Mistakes

• Review articles and broadcasts featuring your interview.
• Identify areas for improvement in messaging or presentation.
• Update strategy to apply lessons before the next media interaction.

Key Takeaways: Principles for Media Interviews

Keep these core principles in mind when preparing for and conducting interviews:

• Do diligent research beforehand on the reporter, media outlet, story angle and potential questions.
• Stay on message using bridging techniques to redirect conversation back to key points.
• Adapt your style to the interview format and audience while retaining authenticity.
• Follow up to sustain media relationships for future opportunities.

Talking to reporters may feel daunting initially, but mastering a few best practices will ensure your voice is heard. With preparation and experience, you can share your story compellingly.

Now you have actionable tips straight from veteran journalists themselves. So next time a reporter calls for an interview, you’ll be ready!