How I Prepare for a Media Interview

I have sat in a lot of interview chairs over the years. Some were in big television studios and some were quick phone calls with a reporter on deadline. What I learned is simple. The interview itself is only the last step. The real work happens before anyone hits record.

Whether you are a founder, an artist or someone sharing a cause you care about, these are the habits that help me show up prepared and leave the conversation feeling good about what I said.

Know Who You Are Talking To

Before I agree to anything, I look at the outlet. I read or watch a few recent pieces from the same reporter or host. I want to know their tone, how long their segments run and what kind of stories they usually tell.

This tells me a lot. A five minute morning segment needs a very different approach than a long podcast. A business reporter wants different details than an entertainment writer. When I understand the audience, I can meet them where they are.

I also ask the producer or reporter a few simple questions. What is the angle of the story? Who else are they speaking with? Is it live or taped? Most people are happy to share, and the answers save me from surprises.

Pick Three Messages and Stick to Them

If I try to say everything, the audience remembers nothing. So I choose three key messages before every interview. These are the points I want people to walk away with, even if they only catch part of the conversation.

For each message, I prepare one short example or story. Facts are important, but a real moment is what people repeat to their friends later. I keep each point simple enough to say in about thirty seconds.

Here is a quick test I use. If I cannot explain a message to a friend over coffee in two sentences, it is not ready for television yet.

Practice Out Loud, Not Just in Your Head

Thinking through answers is not the same as saying them. Words that look good on paper can feel clumsy when you speak them. So I practice out loud, usually with someone on my team asking me questions.

I like to record these practice runs on my phone. When I play them back, I listen for a few things:

• Am I rambling or getting to the point?

• Do I sound like myself or like I am reading a script?

• Am I using words a regular listener would understand?

• Is my energy steady from start to finish?

The goal is not to memorize. The goal is to be so comfortable with my ideas that I can say them naturally in any order the host chooses.

Handle Tough Questions With Calm

Every so often a reporter asks something hard. That is their job, and I respect it. When it happens, I take a breath before I answer. A short pause looks thoughtful. A rushed answer looks nervous.

I answer honestly and briefly, then I bridge back to one of my key messages when it fits. If I do not know something, I say so and offer to follow up. Guessing on camera is never worth it.

I also remember that nothing is truly off the record unless both sides clearly agree first. So I treat every moment, including small talk before and after, as part of the interview.

The Small Details on Interview Day

On the day itself, I keep things simple. I arrive early or log on early for remote interviews. I check my lighting, my sound and what is behind me on camera. I wear clothes that feel like me and do not distract from what I am saying.

Afterward, I always send a short thank you note to the reporter or producer. It is a small thing, but relationships in media last a long time. Being easy to work with matters as much as having a good story.

Final Thoughts

Great interviews are not about being perfect. They are about being prepared, being clear and being yourself. Know your audience, choose your messages, practice out loud and stay calm when things get tough.

If you have an interview coming up, try this routine and see how much more confident you feel. And if you want more on media, music and storytelling, stay connected with me here at josephbonner.com.