Media Training: Preparation is Key

media“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” – Alexander Graham Bell

Preparing for a media interview is very important. No matter if it’s a quick phone interview or a sit-down lengthy interview being taped for TV, being prepared is vital to the success of any interview. In B2B public relations, media training is crucial. Learning tips and advice on how to handle media interviews is extremely important, and preparation is the key to success during the interview process.

At Ripley PR, we believe in the importance of taking time to prepare for an interview. Preparing speaking points, identifying key messages, and understanding a reporter’s media outlet and audience are all part of the preparation process. Below are four tips to help prepare you for your next interview:

 

  • Know Key Messages

Take a little time to create two to three key messages for the interview that emphasize a company’s stance on the interview topic. When developing key messages, it’s important to make sure the messages tie into the company’s overall mission, as well as, speak to the audience of the media outlet. Creating key messages that are concise sound bites, that address important information to key stakeholders and audiences is the key to developing strong speaking points. To learn more about developing Key Messages, check out our previous blog, How to create key messages.

  • Facts and Figures

Adding solid facts and figures to an interview is very important. Reporters often use this information to build credibility and authority into a story. When using facts and figures, it’s important to tell the reporter the source of those figures.

  • Anticipate Questions

Prior to the interview, take time to write out a list of all the questions the reporter may ask. Then develop concise answers that respond to the questions in a straightforward way, while also tying in the key messages.

  • Understand the media outlet and their audience

Understanding a media outlet’s audience is very important. It’s helpful to build good rapport with a reporter; however the reporter is not the audience. Visualize the media outlet’s audience, and target key speaking points and messages to them, more than the reporter.

Being prepared is key to a successful interview, and these four steps can help you be more relaxed and organized when you talk with a reporter. To learn more Media Training Tips, check out Ripley PR’s Media Training category or contact the Ripley PR team for more media training tips and advice.

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