When I was just beginning to learn to play tennis, one of the many tips my coach constantly repeated to me was to always keep my feet moving, and to never “stand on my heels.” In other words, he wanted me to physically prepare myself for the next shot. This advice of being prepared is true for most, if not all, life scenarios, especially for media relations, which is one of the main services we offer at Rasor Marketing Communications here in Cincinnati.

If you’re the owner of a business or an expert in your field, it’s a good idea to be prepared to speak with the media, in order to present your company or organization to the best of your abilities. If a reporter has contacted you and they’re asking for a live statement, following the tips below will give you a strong start to a successful interview.

Before the interview…

1. Ask what topics the reporter will cover

•  Don’t assume the reporter’s story angle is the same angle you would pursue.
• Usually the reporter is willing to share the questions he plans on asking, so it’s worth engaging with him and checking in beforehand, to better prepare your answers.

2. Rehearse your answers

• You may feel silly, but it’s worth practicing your responses with a trusted friend, to avoid rambling or sounding unpolished during the interview.

3. Plan your three key messages

• Memorize three key messages about your company that you would like the audience to remember. Then, bridge back to these key points whenever possible during the interview.

What are your thoughts? Have you seen a really great interview that seemed to follow the tips above? Let us know in the comments.