How to Stay Calm During a Media Interview

Source: Freefoto.com

Few things can seem as intimidating as learning that a reporter wants to interview you. With a little preparation, however, you can lower your blood pressure and improve your odds of making the interview a success.

First, find out what the reporter wants to talk about and then suggest a later time for the interview. This will give you time to prepare some notes or an outline to help guide your remarks.

You'll also want to develop some key message points that you can emphasize again and again during the interview.

---

Second, be prepared for follow-up questions. Go over your responses in advance. Better yet, have an experienced professional help you so that you can develop the most effective responses to the toughest questions.

Third, keep the overriding objective in mind. The goal of the interview is a positive quote or sound bite, so stay with your key message points as you answer the questions.

Positive press coverage helps to boost your credibility and spotlights you as an expert within your field. But it all starts with a successful interview.