People often share their ‘dealing with the media’ fears with me. Here are the top five concerns I hear from my clients, and how my journo mates respond:
- Getting misquoted or taken out of context (definitely the most common one!)
Journo response: We will never intentionally take you out of context. If we do, we haven’t done our job. That doesn’t mean we get it right all the time – but the clearer you are, the clearer we can be.
- Saying something stupid or something peers will perceive as stupid
Journo response: We’re nervous about saying something stupid as well! If we ask a stupid question, our colleagues and peers might think we’re stupid. Worse, you might think we’re stupid. So we understand this. Just know that in all the interviews, we’re never the expert. You’re the expert on this topic, you know way more than we do. If you’re worried about your peers, that’s something you need to deal with yourself. If that concern is stopping you talking to us, we’ll find someone else who might be less qualified than you – but more willing.
- Not knowing the answer or getting it wrong
Journo response: We’re not here to trick you, but yes, you should probably know the answers, because our questions aren’t that complicated. In fact, we’re just using our questions to prompt you to talk. If you get it wrong, tell me you’ve got it wrong so we can work out how to change it. If you don’t know the answer, can you at least point me to someone who does?
- Getting nervous and forgetting the plan
Journo response: Have some practice and do some media training, so you don’t lose it. Be yourself and stop trying to pretend you’re more polished. We’re not after perfection, we’re after authenticity.
- Media using the ‘wrong’ part of the interview and not including the ‘important’ details
Journo response: You try fitting a lifetime worth of research into a 30-second voice over! We are catering to our audience. We give the top line which helps you reach people – you can give them more info in other ways.
What do you think?
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