Comments on: Dos & don’ts for media interviews

By: Brown’s ‘bigoted’ comment | Sherrilynne Starkie

Brown’s ‘bigoted’ comment | Sherrilynne Starkie — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:45:32 +0000

[...] the UK election winding into the last fews days, it’s a good time to revisit my Dos & don’ts of media interviews which was orginally published on Strive Notes on 23 June [...]

By: 2008’s top ten Strive Notes | Strive Notes

2008’s top ten Strive Notes | Strive Notes — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:45:22 +0000

[...] This post highlighting dos and don’ts of media interviews squeaks into the top [...]

By: sherrilynne

sherrilynne — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:07:42 +0000

Well spotted Sally. Now fixed! Thanks.

By: Sally Whittle

Sally Whittle — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:54:41 +0000

Nice post – just catching up after a break.

I agree with the standing up thing, it’s remarkable the difference it can make. (I did standing up recently when I had a dispute with someone over a fee, and needed to negotiate v firmly. It worked – I haggled him down from 75% of the bill to 25% of the bill!)

Also you confused your and you’re on this post. (sorry to be the one that pointed it out, it’s my inner sub getting out of control again)

By: sherrilynne

sherrilynne — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:11:28 +0000

Stu, I’ve had this discussion with countless reporters over the years. And you I do understand your point. But I still advise clients that if they don’t want something repeated, don’t say it, on or off the record.

By: Stu Peters

Stu Peters — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:51:05 +0000

Going ‘off the record’ is a valuable way to build a relationship IF you know the reporter (note the big IF) and can trust him/her.

It can defuse a crisis and allow you to manage a bad news situation better than a blank refusal to talk, which often says more than a company spokes ever can.

Build a relationship with your local/trade media. The rules aren’t written anywhere, but all the players know what they are.

By: Leo Bottary

Leo Bottary — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:02:19 +0000

I think the post is spot on. I would add that it’s also important to have criteria for interview participation. I always advise clients that it’s not about answering questions; you participate because you have something to say – pointing to the importance of your three message points.

Finally, be mindful of the visual medium of television and pay close attention to where you’re being interviewed and what it says about you and your organization.