You secured an interview with CNN … now what? Keep in mind that broadcast reporters and producers work under extremely tight deadlines. Often, they have little time to research the topic and expect you in the studio only hours after the initial outreach.

If you’ve been invited to participate in a broadcast interview and are feeling the pressure, here are some key television interview tips.

Prepare for the Interview

  • Understand the nature of the show: Familiarize yourself with the show’s format, style, and audience to tailor your message appropriately.
  • Ask about the story and interview questions: Gain clarity on the story angle and potential questions to align your responses.
  • Find out in advance whether the interview will be edited or live: This helps you manage your time and responses effectively.
  • Know the three key messages you want to deliver: Make sure you can deliver them succinctly, with examples and facts.
  • Practice your talking points using a stopwatch: Time your key messages to ensure they are concise.
  • Prepare a couple of interesting anecdotes or examples: These bring your messages to life.
  • Prepare for any uncomfortable questions: Anticipate tough questions and practice your responses.

During the Interview

  • Be confident, and be yourself: Authenticity resonates with the audience.
  • Use soundbites and familiar terms, and keep it simple: Clear, concise language is key.
  • Enunciate: Speak slowly and clearly using short but complete phrases. Keep answers brief.
  • Pause between thoughts during taped interviews: This allows editors to cut sound bites as needed.
  • Stick to your key messages: Revert back to them throughout the interview to stay on topic.

Control the Interview

  • Lead off with the most compelling fact: Especially in a short interview, start strong.
  • Don’t ignore the reporter’s question: Listen carefully, then bridge to your key message.
  • Find the shortest way to move from their question to your key message: Stay focused.
  • If the question is something you can’t answer, don’t: Instead, explain that either you can’t speak to the question but you can tell them something else, or that it is outside your area of focus.
  • Never speculate or answer questions if you don’t know the answer.
  • Don’t let anyone put words in your mouth.

Avoid Common Pitfalls of Media Interviews

  • An interview is not a commercial: Message delivery must be organic and natural.
  • Remain even-tempered, and keep your cool in the face of a combative reporter: Breathe!
  • Be prepared to segue into an appropriate response if asked an inappropriate or off-topic question: You are there to share knowledge, not to fall down a rabbit hole.
  • Assume the microphone is always on.

Look Your Best

  • Avoid wearing white, black or red – blues and pastels look best on camera.
  • Clothes should be neat, wrinkle-free and comfortable.
  • Avoid distracting patterns, stripes and bright colors.
  • Avoid large, jangling or reflective jewelry.
  • Wear a shirt or jacket with lapels so the microphone can attach easily.
  • Facial hair should be trimmed.
  • Accept make-up if offered: If not offered, make sure your own make-up is slightly bolder than normal.

Additional Tips for Law Firm Media Relations

  • Coordinate with your PR team: Ensure your marketing and PR teams are aware of the interview to avoid conflicts and to help you prepare effectively.
  • Follow-up post-interview: Send a thank-you note to the reporter and offer to be a resource for future stories.
  • Leverage the interview: Share the interview on your firm’s website, social media, and internal communications to maximize its reach and impact.
  • Monitor media coverage: Track the interview’s broadcast and any subsequent media coverage to gauge public and professional reaction.

Engage with Broadcast News Producers

  • Build relationships: Cultivate ongoing relationships with broadcast news producers and reporters to become a go-to source for legal commentary.
  • Offer expertise: Regularly pitch story ideas and offer your expertise on relevant legal issues to maintain visibility.
  • Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with current events and trending topics to provide timely and insightful commentary.

Be sure to check in with marketing to clear the interview for conflicts before agreeing to participate. Remember to prepare and practice message points, be brief, and state the facts.

If you need assistance with preparing for a broadcast interview, feel free to contact me, Lisa Altman, at laltman@jaffepr.com.