Lights, Camera, Confidence: Your Ultimate Media Training Blueprint Pt. 3
Crush the Interview: How to handle media interviews with confidence and composure
Getting in front of the camera or a microphone for an interview can feel intimidating. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or stepping into the spotlight for the first time, there’s no denying that media interviews can stir up nerves. But here’s the good news: With the right mindset and some solid preparation, you can handle any interview with confidence and grace.
In this third part of our “Lights, Camera, Confidence” series, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to crush your next media interview. From pre-interview prep to staying cool during tough questions, we’ll cover all the tricks and techniques to help you stay calm, focused, and true to your message.
So, let’s dive in, shall we?
The Before: Laying the Groundwork for Success
Let’s get real for a second—success doesn’t magically happen the moment you sit down for an interview. Nope. It starts long before you even step in front of the camera. You’ve got to do your homework and lay the groundwork to set yourself up for that “I’ve got this” swagger. Prep is everything. It’s how you’ll build the confidence that will turn those nervous jitters into pure, unshakable confidence.
Know Your Message
First and foremost, figure out what you want to say. What’s the one key message you want your audience to remember after your interview? Whether you’re promoting your latest project, sharing your thoughts on an industry trend, or just positioning yourself as an expert, having a clear core message is the foundation of a great interview.
Pro Tip: Write down your core message and create three main points that support it. These points will help you stay focused, so you don’t get lost in the weeds or forget what you came to say.
Example: If you’re the founder of a marketing agency like Campfire Collective, your core message might be: “Our marketing strategies are built on authentic community connections.” And your supporting points could be: how community-driven marketing builds customer loyalty, how storytelling connects brands to real people, and how data helps improve relationships with customers. This will be your roadmap throughout the interview.
Research the Media Outlet and the Interviewer
Every platform has its own vibe. Whether you’re doing a podcast, TV interview, or sitting down for a print piece, each one has its own style. Know it, and own it. If you walk into an interview totally unaware of how the platform operates, you’ll be playing catch-up. So, do your homework and get a sense of what the audience expects.
Pro Tip: Spend time listening to or reading content from the outlet you’re interviewing with. This will help you better tailor your answers to the audience's interests, and you’ll feel more comfortable talking in the same tone or style they use.
Example: If you’re doing a podcast interview, and the show is known for a laid-back, conversational style, you might adjust your tone to be more relaxed and personal. On the other hand, if it’s a TV news segment, you’d want to ensure you’re more polished and concise in your delivery.
The During: Time to Shine
Okay, you’ve done the prep work—now it’s time to actually do the thing. Let’s talk about how to navigate the interview, stay calm, and make sure you come across as confident and authentic.
Stay Calm and Collected
“I love being told to calm down!” said no one ever. However, in this case, it’s your ultimate professional advice. First things first—take a breath. The pause might feel like an eternity in your head, but it’s really only a second. You’ve got this, and it’s totally normal to feel a little jittery. But don’t let that shake your confidence—you're in control.
Pro Tip: Imagine your audience as your ideal customer or community member. Visualize them nodding and engaging with your words—this can help ease any nerves and remind you why you’re doing this in the first place.
Example: If you’re asked about your company’s recent marketing campaign, instead of rushing through the answer out of nerves, pause, take a breath, and then give a thoughtful response.
Answer Questions Clearly
The interview is not the time for rambling on and on like you’re writing an essay. Keep it simple, sweet, and straight to the point. If you can’t explain it in three key points, you’re not doing it right. The audience wants to remember what you said, not how much you said.
Pro Tip: Stick to the Rule of Three, like we discussed in Part Two. It’s easier for both you and the audience to remember three key points or examples. If you get lost, just refer back to your three main points and use them to guide your response.
Example: If we’re asked, “How does community-driven marketing work?”, we’d answer:
“It starts with authentic storytelling.”
“Then, we engage directly with the community through social media and events.”
“Finally, we measure results to make sure the connections we’re building lead to real, long-term loyalty.”
Answering Difficult Questions: Bridging and Pivoting
Sometimes, interviews can take unexpected turns, and you may be asked a question that veers off your intended message or touches on something you’d rather not address. This is where bridging and pivoting become invaluable techniques. Bridging is acknowledging the question without diving into it, while pivoting is when you steer the conversation back to what you really want to talk about. This way, you stay in control, no matter what.
Pro Tip: Use the Bridging Technique to steer the conversation back to your message. Politely acknowledge the question but immediately pivot to what you want to talk about.
Example: If a reporter asks about a recent controversy and you’d rather talk about the positive changes you’re making, you can say something like:
“I understand why that’s on your mind. However, what I’d really love to focus on today is how our team is working hard to foster meaningful relationships within our community, and how we’re seeing great results from that approach.”
Handling Tough or Unexpected Questions
Even the most prepared individuals can face tough or unexpected questions during a media interview, and that’s okay! The key is to remain composed, take a deep breath, and not rush into an answer. Pausing for a moment gives you time to collect your thoughts and respond thoughtfully. Remember, how you handle these moments can often be just as important as your actual answers.
Pro Tip: If you’re asked something tricky, take a deep breath before responding. Don’t rush to answer immediately. It’s perfectly fine to pause and think about your response.
Example: If you’re asked, “Why did your company fail to address a past mistake?”, you can handle it like this:
“Great question. While I can’t go into all the details right now, I’ll tell you that we've taken it seriously and made major changes to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. What I want to highlight today is the incredible work our team is doing to strengthen customer relationships moving forward.”
Building a Relationship with the Interviewer and Camera Crew
Don’t forget to be human! Media interviews aren’t all business—build rapport with the interviewer and the camera crew. These folks are there to help you succeed, and when you make them feel comfortable, you’ll see how much easier the interview goes. Trust me, a little friendliness goes a long way.
Pro Tip: A quick “thank you” after the interview goes a long way. It shows professionalism and leaves a positive final impression.
Example: If you’re at a TV studio, before the camera starts rolling, try saying something like: “It’s great to be here—thank you all for making this happen!” This helps you build a connection with the crew and establishes a rapport that will benefit the flow of the interview.
Final Thoughts
Crushing an interview takes preparation, confidence, and a little bit of charm. By following these tips and establishing a positive rapport with your interviewer and the crew, you'll find that interviews don't need to be nerve-wracking at all. With practice, you’ll refine your skills and become a media pro.
As we wrap up this part of the series, keep in mind that how you present yourself goes beyond what you say—it’s about how you look and carry yourself, too. In part four of our series, we’ll dive into Swagger Style—how dressing the part enhances both your credibility and your personal brand. Get ready to learn how the right attire can boost your confidence and make a lasting impression on camera!
Stay tuned, and we’ll see you next time!
