How to give an interview
Interviews are a regular part of dealing with the media. They can be a great way of transmitting your information to a journalist or group of people. Phone in shows and television programs are a Relax - with a little preparation, you can learn to master the art of giving an interview.
Interviews may be live, or may be given as background information for a later story. You could be interviewed on the radio, for a newspaper story or on television - so prepare yourself accordingly.
Newspaper: Ask in advance if there is going to be a photo and consider this when dressing for the interview. You may wish to bring notes to refer to throughout or to have close by if you need them.
Radio: If you have any particular major points to make, you may wish to write these out in short dot-jot form. Don't write a speech or a bunch of sentences to read out loud. Rehearse your interview with a friend and record yourself for practice if you want to hear what you'll sound like. Be as prepared with your information and opinions as possible - the "ums" and "ahs" and silences of an unprepared guest can sound a lot longer on the radio!
Television: Do not bring any notes or materials with you to do a television interview. Dress with the understanding that you may be seen by many people - you may wish to ask ahead if certain clothing should be avoided. Some television programs advise guests to avoid wearing clothing with small and intricate designs on it and to avoid wearing a lot of white. If you have questions about the program, ask ahead of time!
The number one rule for media interviews is to be prepared. Amnesty can help you get ready - start by following these two simple steps:
- check out Media 101, our no-nonsense general guide to dealing with the media.
- Review this quick checklist of things to remember before, during and after you step up to the microphone.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
ASK the reporter what their story will be about. Are they going to take pictures? Will they be recording the interview or merely taking notes?
THINK about questions that you might be asked. What different "angles" might the reporter want to cover?
PREPARE your answers to the questions you've developed. Decide upon one or two key points that you want to get across in the interview, and try to incorporate these into your answers.
PRACTICE what you're going to say. If you're nervous, you may want to ask a friend to help you.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
RELAX. Smile, be honest. Try not to talk too quickly, or for too long. If you don't understand a question, ask the reporter to clarify it for you.
CHECK YOUR NOTES. If you don't know that answer to something, don't make something up - instead, offer to find out the answer. Be straightforward and emphasize the facts. Remember the key ideas that you want to convey during the interview.
STAY ON THE RECORD. Nothing is ever "off the record." If you don't want something to end up in the public record, don't say it!
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
READ OR LISTEN to the final product to hear how your interview was reported.
THANK the reporter if the story reported is fair and correct.
KEEP a copy of the newspaper clipping or a tape of the interview for your records.
Don't forget to SEND a copy in to the National Office!