Regaining control of an interview when a journalist is taking it in a direction you don’t want can be challenging but is certainly possible with effective communication and assertiveness. Here are some strategies you can use:
- Steer the Conversation: Politely and confidently guide the conversation back to the topics or points you are comfortable discussing. You can say something like, “That’s an interesting angle, but I’d really like to focus on [topic you want to discuss].”
- Bridging Statements: Use bridging statements to smoothly transition from the current topic to the one you’d like to address. For example, “That’s an important perspective, and speaking of that, what I think is crucial to consider is…”
- Use Redirecting Phrases: Employ phrases like “Before we move on, I’d like to emphasize,” or “Let’s come back to that in a moment, but first, let’s talk about…” to guide the conversation to your preferred direction.
- Use Prepared Talking Points: Have a set of key messages or talking points ready that you want to convey during the interview. Whenever the conversation veers off track, gently bring it back to these points.
- Acknowledge and Pivot: Acknowledge the journalist’s question or point briefly, and then pivot to the topic you’re comfortable discussing. For instance, “I understand where you’re coming from, but what’s more important to address here is…”
- Use Bridging Phrases: Incorporate bridging phrases like “That reminds me of,” or “Speaking of which,” to smoothly transition to the topic you want to discuss.
- Set Boundaries: If a question or topic is truly uncomfortable or off-limits, politely but firmly state that you’re not able to provide the information being asked for. Explain your reasons briefly, if appropriate.
- Offer Alternatives: Suggest a different angle or aspect of the topic that aligns with your preferences. This way, you’re showing willingness to engage while steering the discussion in a direction you find more suitable.
- Clarify and Reframe: If you feel a question has been misunderstood or misinterpreted, take a moment to clarify your position and reframe the topic in a way that suits your intended message.
- Use Nonverbal Cues: Body language and facial expressions can communicate your comfort level or discomfort with the current direction. Use subtle cues to signal that you’d like to shift the focus.
- Politely Decline: If a line of questioning persists and you’re uncomfortable, you can politely decline to answer. “I appreciate your interest, but I’d prefer not to comment on that particular aspect.”
- End with Your Message: If the interview is wrapping up, ensure that you get the chance to convey your key messages before the conversation concludes.
Remember, the goal is to be assertive and respectful while guiding the conversation back to the topics or angles that you are comfortable discussing. Practice these techniques beforehand to feel more confident in steering interviews in the desired direction