Deadly Sins That Kill All Media Interviews Dead

Dealing with the media and handling interviews with them is normal in some corporate positions. However, be careful to avoid fatal blunders that could kill your media interview sessions. Here are some of the deadliest sins that could kill your interviews with the press.

Using Jargon

No matter how much you think you are an expert, you should refrain from using jargon when dealing with the press. It is wisdom to use plain English that the journalist and your audience can understand. If you find it necessary to use a technical term, then explain it to make your audience understand it.

Not Pausing Before Answering

We have two extremes when dealing with the media. One side of the pendulum has people who fear the press and can do anything to evade the interview process. Inversely, others are excited about interviews, and hence, their tendency to speak without posing. It is to your benefit and your organization to avoid the second extreme since it makes you look like an excited amateur. Also, it lowers your reputation, and hence, the journalist would prefer avoiding your interviews because they do not see in you the maturity they need to share your interviews confidently.

Using Long Answers

It is in your best interest to use short answers when dealing with the press. The reason is that the media only airs a few sound bites to your audience, and hence, your brevity will enable you to communicate your message more clearly.

Arguing with or Interrupting the Interviewer

Another deadly sin to avoid when attending a media interview is this pushy behavior of interrupting the journalist or arguing with them. Even if you don’t agree with what they are saying or asking, do not turn the interview into a debate. Therefore, allow the journalist to finish speaking before commenting answering. Otherwise, interrupting them only sends them a message that you are hiding something.

Losing Temper

At times, media people can get sensational and prompt to you to lose your cool. No matter how it feels, it is wise to refrain from tantrums especially if they ask something that offends you. So, explain to them why you won’t comment on the matter or answer the question.

Forgetting to Communicate Your Message

When attending an interview with the members of the press, it is prudent to remain true to and focused on your message. Don’t forget your primary message to your audience and get carried by answering questions alone. So, be smart enough to answer every question “in a manner that communicates your core message.”

Discussing Hypothetical Issues

Do you want to fail in your interviews and create trouble for yourself and organization? Then try discussing pending and hypothetical matters with the press. It is wise to refrain yourself from commenting on issues you are not sure about no matter how hard the journalist is curious to know. This way, you will earn the trust and respect of the media and they can take your word seriously next time.

Lying and Bluffing

Do you want to kill your media interviews? Then try bluffing and lying to the media. Nothing will come back to hound you and your organization worse than a lie you told coming out following media investigation. You will only prepare yourself to become trending news for all the wrong reasons. Remember, the media is very investigative, and at times, its crew may ask questions they already have answers to just to confirm your position. Therefore, it is safe to be big enough to say you don’t know, rather than, lying to them. Wisdom and integrity demand you ask for more time to ascertain the facts and then follow up with the journalist to give the correct position of things.

You are now up to date about the deadly sins to avoid when attending an interview with the media. We hope these insights will prepare you for your future engagements. Also, you can get the best out of our resume writing service to present your prospective employers with a dazzling resume. You are welcome to talk to us any time.