Mastering Media Interviews
Media interviews are an important aspect of an athlete's career. They provide an opportunity to share insights, connect with people, and shape public perception. However, interviews can also be daunting, with the potential to impact an athlete's image and career. This resource aims to provide athletes with practical tips and strategies to navigate media interviews effectively and communicate their message with authenticity.
Media training is not just about answering questions or giving interviews. It is about understanding the media landscape, the goals and expectations of journalists, and the impact of your messages on audiences. Media training should help you develop your media strategy, identify your key messages, and craft your stories. It should also teach you how to prepare for interviews, the positive use of body language and voice, and how to avoid common pitfalls. No matter your current relationship with the media/public speaking, you cannot avoid the interactions. They are the supporting arm in communicating your narrative.
8 tips when talking to the media
Prepare Mentally
- Prepare: Practice responses to predictive/typical questions.
- Stay positive: Approach the interview with a positive mindset. Embrace it as an opportunity to showcase your personality and accomplishments.
Know Your Message
- Identify key talking points: Determine the main messages you want to convey during the interview. Whether it's promoting an upcoming game or addressing recent achievements, clarity and focus are essential.
- Stay on brand: Ensure that your messaging aligns with your personal brands and values. Consistency in communication helps build trust and credibility.
Practice Active Listening & Stay in Control
- Listen attentively: Pay close attention to the interviewer's questions, and take a moment to fully understand before responding.
- Engage with empathy: Show empathy and understanding in your responses, acknowledging the perspectives of others, including fans, teammates, and opponents.
- You may have heard the phrase “Your Response is Your Responsibility.” This is true and it can also help you stay in control when engaged in an interview.
Prepare for the Curve Balls
- Whether an engagement is planned or not, always be prepared and expect the unexpected. If you are asked a controversial or uncomfortable question, the first thing you should do is take a pause. Don’t be quick to respond and allow yourself a few moments to decide how/if you’re going to address the question by inserting a bridge. Some examples of bridge statements are:
- “That’s a good question.”
- “Thank you for that question."
- “That’s a complex question.”
Communicate Effectively
- Be concise: Keep your responses clear and concise, avoiding unnecessary jargon or rambling.
- Use storytelling: Incorporate anecdotes and personal experiences to make your answers engaging and memorable. Stories resonate with audiences and help humanise your narrative.
Be Mindful of Body Language
- This tip is very underrated in all aspects of public speaking. Body language is very important because how your body is positioned should support your messaging.
- When Standing: If you are standing, RELAX! Stand with your arms at the side or one hand in a pocket. Whichever seems natural. Planting one foot slightly in front of the other will help you avoid swaying. Should you gesture, do so naturally, not expansively. Keep gestures small and in front of you, and avoid sudden body movement.
- When Sitting: Lean forward slightly. Hands in your lap is always great. Avoid obvious signs of discomfort or nervousness, e.g., foot tapping, clenched fists, shifting back and forth.
Embrace Authenticity
- Be yourself: Authenticity is key to connecting with audiences. Speak from the heart and let your genuine personality shine through.
- Show vulnerability: Don't be afraid to express vulnerability or share personal stories. Authenticity fosters trust and fosters deeper connections.
Reflect and Review
- Evaluate your performance: After the interview, take time to reflect on your performance. Identify strengths and areas for improvement, and use feedback to enhance your communication skills.
- Continuously learn and grow: Media interviews are growth opportunities. Stay open to feedback and commit to ongoing development as a communicator.
By implementing these tips and strategies, athletes can approach media interviews with confidence, professionalism, and authenticity, effectively sharing their stories and engaging with audiences.