Interview preparation tips

1. When a journalist calls… The first and most important thing you need to do is ensure you understand what the journalist is looking for. As well as understanding the topic of the interview, understand the deadline they are working to, and the requirements for their medium.

   For example, the journalist may be looking for someone to provide an urgent, recorded “grab” for the next hour’s radio news that only requires you to deliver two or three sentences of information. Or, they may be on a weekly deadline and need to arrange a lengthier interview for a later time or date.

   In the case of radio interviews, some will be pre-recorded ahead of time and in other cases they will be performed live. Make sure you understand what kind of interview you are doing, and what will be required. In cases where an immediate response is not required, it is usually fine to tell the journalist that you are happy to help, but need to take some time to gather your thoughts before calling them back at an agreed time.

2. Only accept interviews if you can genuinely talk about the topic. It sounds like common sense, but some people are keen to be helpful and will try to talk about any topic – even those beyond their expertise. Remember that it’s ok to say no, and this may actually save both you and the journalist potential embarrassment later on.
3. Always meet deadlines. If you promise to call a journalist back within a certain time, always do so. If you fail to meet a deadline, it is likely to tarnish the journalist’s impression of you and your organisation, and also cause them inconvenience. Even if you realise that you can’t help after all, a courtesy call within the deadline is always appreciated.
4. It’s ok to ask the journalist what they intend to ask you. If a journalist calls wanting your expert opinion, they’re usually as keen to get the best information as you are to provide it. Most journalists are happy to take the time to talk with you about the topic before the formal interview commences so they can understand your perspective (and ask good questions later on). It’s ok to ask them during this “pre-interview” time what they would like to know, and what kind of questions they intend to ask.
5. Ensure you clarify (beforehand) what is “on the record” and what is not. If you want to “rehearse” an interview situation (as above), make sure you are clear about this and that the journalist agrees. Also, if you want to elaborate on something or provide “background information” on which you don’t want to be quoted, it is imperative that the journalist understands this before you start talking. It’s very hard (and unfair to the journalist) to “take something back” once you’ve said it.

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