Go off message and end up in the woods.
Going off-message happens when an interviewee loses focus on the central theme or point they intended to make. This often happens for a few reasons: being caught off guard by unexpected questions, lacking a well-defined message, or simply being unprepared to navigate the conversation. Here are some ways this lack of preparation can negatively impact your media presence:
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Mixed Messages Create Confusion
When you veer off course, you risk sending conflicting or unclear information to the audience. This can dilute the impact of your interview, leaving people confused about your goals or even skeptical of your brand’s authenticity. Confusion is one of the fastest ways to lose credibility in the eyes of the public. -
Unintended Statements Can Lead to Negative Coverage
Without a clear, prepared response to potentially challenging questions, you might inadvertently make statements that don’t reflect your intentions or values. Even the smallest misstatements can be taken out of context, leading to negative media coverage. Headlines that misrepresent your message are hard to counter once they’re out there, so preparing to stick to key points is essential. -
Risk of Losing Control Over the Narrative
Contact Mark Aiston for media training opportunities: [email protected]
When you don’t prepare for a media interview, it’s easy for the conversation to take unexpected turns. Skilled journalists may ask probing questions or present counterpoints that require quick thinking. If you’re unprepared, it’s easy to lose control of the conversation. This can shift the focus away from your intended message, allowing the interviewer to steer the narrative in an unintended direction.
