Interview tips

General interviewing tips

Whether you are being interviewed for newspapers, radio or TV, there are a few key things to remember.

• Most importantly, make sure you are well prepared and can handle the topic of the interview – otherwise get someone else to do it.
• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Keep your responses very short – very little of what you say will be used, and it is better not to give them so much information that they can pick and choose which parts of your answer to use. It is always useful to have soundbites ready on all the key issues, so you get straight to the point.
• Be sure of your facts.
• Bring facts to life with real examples and personal stories.
• Be confident and answer questions clearly – keep your sentences short.
• Don’t avoid difficult questions by talking a lot and not actually answering. If you don’t know the answer, then admit it and say "I am not sure about that; I will check and call you back."
• Be polite, helpful and friendly, and always come across as warm.
• Never lie or exaggerate.
• Be careful not to let the journalists put words into your mouth and don’t respond to hearsay, as this may be the reporter’s way of getting an emotive response from you. Never allow untrue statements to go unchallenged. (Ban the Landmines Campaign)
• If a number of your members will be acting as spokespeople, draft a briefing or speaker’s notes on complex issues as a guide for them.

On television

• Television is the most powerful media form. Not only do you have a large captive audience, but you also have an opportunity for people to get to know you. Here are some tips when doing a television interview:
• Look the part but make sure you feel comfortable. Don’t wear something that will make you feel ill at ease.
• Don’t wear red, white or stripes as these “blue” the TV cameras. Pale blue is a good colour.
• Sit comfortably and try not to fidget.
• Make eye contact with the interviewer.
• Interrupt gracefully or firmly if you disagree with another guest or the interviewer. For example, say: “If you will allow me to come in here …”
• Have a last line ready as a concluding statement. If you have nothing more to say, repeat your main point.
• Ask for feedback from colleagues and the interviewer after an interview.

On radio

• Avoid microphone popping – don’t get too close to the microphone or speak directly into it. Instead speak over it.
• Prepare properly and make sure you have three key points that you want to communicate clearly. Whatever else is going on, try to keep focussed on these points and get them across.
• It is important to be firm and strong so that you get enough time to speak, but it is equally important that you do not come across as rude or aggressive.
• Prepare soundbites. Keep your answers short and to the point and keep your language as simple as possible.
• Never give lectures – always remember that you are speaking to the listeners rather than to the interviewer.
• Breathe!

On phone-ins or chat shows

• Listen to what the interviewer and callers who phone in are saying, and respond to them as personally as possible.
• If it is a caller, try to remember the person’s name and use their name when you respond to their question.
• Never humiliate or undermine a caller. Even if they are hostile, be as polite and friendly as possible. Focus on the issue rather than the person.
• Don’t interrupt or lose your temper with people who oppose your views; rather remain cool and calm and leave the hysterics to others.
• Never be defensive and refuse to answer questions in an aggressive way. Stay as positive and open as possible. Regardless of how other people on the show are acting, be transparent and accountable, and show that you have confidence in what your organisation and campaign stand for.