The One Thing You Should Do When You Are Being Interviewed by the Media
When you're being interviewed by the media—whether it's TV, radio, print, or a podcast—one crucial thing can make or break your message: staying on message.
Media interviews are a powerful opportunity to promote your business, brand, or cause, but they can quickly go off track if you’re not prepared. Journalists may ask unexpected questions, and distractions can pull you away from your key points. That’s why the most important thing you should do is stick to your core message—the key idea you want your audience to remember.
How to Stay on Message During a Media Interview
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Know Your Key Message – Before the interview, clearly define what you want to communicate. Keep it simple, concise, and memorable.
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Bridge Back to Your Message – If a journalist asks an unrelated or difficult question, use a bridging technique like, "That’s a great question, but what’s really important here is…" to steer the conversation back to your core points.
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Be Concise – Avoid rambling. The media loves short, impactful soundbites. Stick to key facts and compelling statements.
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Practice Beforehand – Rehearse your answers so you can deliver them confidently, even under pressure.
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Control Your Narrative – Don’t let the interviewer dictate your message. Even if the conversation shifts, find ways to reinforce your main point.
By staying on message, you ensure that your media appearance is effective, memorable, and aligned with your goals. Whether you're promoting a business, advocating a cause, or sharing an important update, this simple yet powerful strategy will help you make the most of every media opportunity.
