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Connecticut Water Trails
Program
Connecticut Water Bar
Working With The Media - Tips For Talking With Reporters
If you are successful in creating
relationships with the media and become a "source" on your issue, you will
get calls for interviews.
Call them
back promptly. Ask when their deadline is.
It is best
if you already know what kind of story the reporter tends to do,
what kind of questions they ask. If you have time, look up some of
their work.
Prepare as
much as you can. If you know what they are calling about, get some
background information.
Be helpful.
Ask what kind of story they are doing, how much information they
need, if they would like to speak to a person directly affected by
the story (unless that is you).
If you are
setting up another interview to include. with another person, get
all of your details straight.
Relax. If
you are nervous or this is your first time talking to a reporter, it
is OK to say so (off camera or off the air). A good reporter wants
to get it right, not to embarrass you.
Listen
carefully to the question. Take a few seconds to frame your answer.
Speak
slowly and avoid jargon. Speak with confidence and enthusiasm.
Smile when
you speak. Even if they can't see you, it comes through.
Don't be
thrown off but you may hear them typing while you talk. There may
also be pauses after you answer a question - it doesn't necessarily
mean they are looking for more, they may just still be writing what
you said.
Be brief.
Keep to major points and broader issues. Don't spend ten seconds on
the point and two minutes on the exceptions.
If you
don't know an answer, say so. Ask if they would like you to look
into it and get back to them. Ask how much time you have.
If it seems
that you have been misunderstood, fix it immediately. Be gentle, but
fix it.
Be clear
about your position and/or that of the organization you represent.
Provide materials if possible.
Nothing is
ever off the record. Assume that anything you say or give them could
end up in the story. Be careful making jokes.
If you are
quoted in an article, clip and save it.
If you
aren't quoted, don't take it personally. If you were helpful, they
may call again.
For Television And Radio Appearances:
Learn as
much as you can about the show - Will it be live or taped? Will
there be call-in questions? Will there be an audience? Will there be
other guests, if so who? How long is the show, and how long will you
be on?
Check the
style of the show beforehand. Is it confrontational or
conversational? Are personal stories or statistics more common? Is
there a specific audience or issue targeted?
Dress
conservatively for television. Avoid bright white, loud colors or
oversize prints. Avoid flashy jewelry. Consider a place for a
microphone to be clipped, e.g. jacket lapel.
Be on time.
Get a tape
if you can. Other outlets may replay it.
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