Landing a media interview is an exciting opportunity to 
have your voice be heard and to shine in the spotlight. However, if the interview doesn’t go well, it has the potential to make a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons.
I’ve listed some successes and failures to provide do’s and don’ts to ensure that you take advantage of the opportunity and create a positive impression.
Don’t cause controversy
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has gained a reputation for consistently delivering controversial interviews. Recently in an explosive interview, Kyrgios lashed out at fellow competitors, labelling Rafael Nadal as ‘super-salty’ and Novak Djokovic as ‘cringeworthy.’ Given the status of these players as well-loved tennis greats, these comments caused even greater controversy. The disrespectful and negative attitude Kyrgios exudes in interviews has cemented him as a contentious figure and representative of Australian tennis. Kyrgios reminds us that critiquing competitors can instead reflect poorly on the interviewee, and that negativity creates the wrong impression.
Be authentic
Being perceived as genuine and authentic during an interview is essential for building trust with an audience and making people feel like they know you. Kate Miller-Heidke’s interview with the ABC ahead of Eurovision 2019 demonstrates that likeability rests heavily on authenticity. During the interview, the singer-songwriter openly shares her experiences which many viewers can relate to. Her body language and facial expressions are natural and relaxed, portraying that she is genuine and can be trusted. Kate demonstrates that delivering messages in a way that resonates with viewers helps to connect with the audience and make them care about what you have to say.
Don’t be unprepared
During an interview, it is important to use your time effectively to convey your key messages and create an impact on audiences. Neglecting to thoroughly prepare before an interview squanders this opportunity for communicating messages, and poses the threat of making you appear foolish. Pauline Hanson exemplifies the perils of underpreparing, most notoriously through her response of ‘Please explain?’ to an interview question. This created the impression that she was unknowledgeable on the subject, and potentially deceptive in avoiding giving an answer. Most importantly, this was a missed opportunity for delivering key messages.
Be clear and concise
Having clear and concise messages is essential to connect with your audience and improve the likelihood of information retention. Magda Szubanski uses interviews to deliver simple yet powerful messages. Rather than using convoluted language, Magda synthesises complex notions into palatable messages which are accessible to everyone. This enables communication of extensive information within a short period of time that is likely to resonate and be retained. For messages to be clear and concise, they should be the result of extensive preparation, yet be delivered seamlessly.
Following these tips for dos and don’ts of interviews will ensure that you capitalise on your opportunity to share your voice. These tips can help to communicate key messages and leave a positive impression on your audience.
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Sydney Public Relations Agency, CP Communications provides specialist media, traditional and online PR strategies that get amazing results. Contact us today. For more great tips visit our website www.PublicRelationsSydney.com.au.
