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How to talk to the media
Bacon’s posted an interesting article this month on how to handle a media interview. This can be a daunting thing for someone new to interviews. No one is more of an expert than you will be when it comes to talking about your work or organization, but not everyone feels comfortable talking to the press right away, and if you’re new to it, you may not know how to handle a tough question or how to steer the interview in the direction you’d like.
Two key points from the article:
1) Understand that you’re “being interviewed for a bigger purpose: perspective and a broader view… find a way to speak about the bigger picture regarding the issue or the event; as an expert, an observer or a participant.” Providing real expertise and relevance to the broader view gives you a better chance of not being cut out of the final piece.
2) “Remember the ‘mass’ in mass media by making a message as accessible as possible to the greatest number of people without jargon, slang or ‘inside language.’” This is particularly appropriate for many of the performers, musicians, and artists we work with. It’s easy to launch into references that have been swimming around in your head as you created your work, but don’t assume the press - and the public - will know anything about the obscure playwright or the dominant 7th chord you just have to talk about. Don’t forget to help people catch up. There IS a difference between dumbing yourself down for an interview and considering the audience. I’m a firm believer in sticking with your style and principals, but if you can draw people into your world rather than close the door with too much “inside language,” you’ll find a stronger response to your press coverage.
Read Media Tips for Preparing the Novice here.
Submitted by canary on Fri, 03/30/2007 - 3:41pm
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