It’s often said that the British media is the toughest in the world. Here’s why :
(Interview begins at 06:23)
Chloe Smith MP is a junior minister in the Treasury department. She was being interviewed by experienced political journalist Jeremy Paxman on BBC’s Newsnight programme.
Of course it’s hard to watch, but it does highlight some important rules:
- Know your key messages and get them across. It’s your interview as well.
- Rehearse before hand so you are ‘warmed up’. It’s important to make a good start.
- Make sure you have some insightful/interesting comment up your sleeve.
- Don’t be afraid to bring in an anecdote to illustrate your point.
- Remember 90% of the message is visual. Maintain eye contact.
- Slow down when you speak. Adrenalin speeds you up. Don’t let your pace be forced.
- Do your homework. Study prior footage of the interviewer.
- Don’t be afraid to answer a question with a question, so you can pace yourself.
- It’s OK to defend yourself but don’t patronise the interviewer.
- Try to avoid interviews at the end of a long day…
There’s no doubt this wasn’t an even match, but these techniques and others can help even things up.
Tags: communications, LEWIS, LEWIS PR, media, media relations, PR, PR agency, Public Relations
