Very few people are 100% laid back about media interviews. Even top celebrities and personalities like to ensure that they are prepared and ready for a media call, and they are certainly determined to present their best side to the journalist. They might have done this a thousand times, but they are never going to be complacent. Their concerns will be born out of practice. They know what to do and say, and how to get their message across, just by virtue of practice.
In the real world (the one where we don’t have makeup artists rushing round, patting our foreheads, or stylists checking our posture for the best lighting angle) many people, when asked, will say that their most likely concern about a media interview is the fear of being misquoted or taken out of context. This concern arises from the fact that journalists might only use a small portion of what was said during the interview, potentially distorting the intended meaning or message. This fear of misrepresentation can lead individuals to be cautious with their words or hesitant to share certain information.
But that’s not the only worry – because other very real concerns include:
Lack of Control: Interviewees might worry about not having control over how their words are edited and presented in the final article or segment, which could result in them appearing in a negative light.
Public Speaking Anxiety: Many people have a fear of speaking in public or being on camera, and media interviews can exacerbate this anxiety due to the potential for a large audience.
Nervousness: The pressure of being interviewed by a journalist or appearing on camera can make individuals nervous, potentially causing them to stumble over their words or forget key points they wanted to address.
Unfamiliarity with the Process: People who are new to media interviews might feel unsure about the format, structure, and expectations, which can lead to uncertainty and anxiety.
Being Pushed to Comment on Sensitive Topics: Interviewees might worry about being asked to comment on controversial or sensitive subjects that they are not fully prepared to address.
Overexposure or Overexaggeration: Some individuals might be concerned about media attention leading to overexposure or exaggeration of their personal or professional life.
Impact on Reputation: A poorly handled interview or a quote taken out of context can potentially harm an individual’s reputation, so people are often concerned about saying something that could be damaging in the long run.
Handling Tricky Questions: Anticipating and addressing difficult or unexpected questions can be challenging, and people worry about how they’ll navigate such situations without damaging their credibility or message.
Time Constraints: Media interviews often have time limits, which can make it difficult for interviewees to convey all their key points effectively.
Media Literacy and Bias: Concerns about how the media might portray the interviewee’s perspective or the topic at hand can arise due to perceptions of media bias and the importance of media literacy.
Fortunately none of these are insurmountable. With preparation, media training and practice, then concerns can be taken one by one, and their impacts mitigated.
Media Training South West will discuss the relevant questions, identify talking points, and help clients to establish clear communication strategies to ensure their intended message is accurately conveyed.
Our media training package is realistic, pragmatic and focused on getting the best results for clients time and again.