---
title: 9 Tips for a great media interview
description: Learn how to showcase your brand and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. Make your next media interview great.
image: https://www.denterlein.com/hubfs/Great-Media-Interview-1024x683.jpg
---

[![Denterlein](https://www.denterlein.com/hubfs/Denterlein_May2017_Theme/Images/logo.png)](https://www.denterlein.com/)

# Blog

SEARCH BLOG

 March 22, 2017

# 9 Tips for a great media interview

[![9 Tips for a great media interview](https://www.denterlein.com/hubfs/Great-Media-Interview-1024x683.jpg) ](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/9-tips-great-media-interview)

Your company just made a huge announcement and you’ve received multiple inquiries for media interviews. What’s next?

Don’t panic. With the right preparation, you will be ready to speak confidently and clearly, showcasing your brand and establishing yourself as a thought leader in your industry.

Here are 9 tips for a great media interview:

1. **Develop key messages or an “elevator speech” **

Know the key points you need to share. State them concisely and with examples to spotlight your brand story.

1. **Repeat, repeat, repeat **

It is important to emphasize your company’s expertise and overall mission throughout the interview. When possible, bridge back to your key messages.

1. **Be prepared to answer challenging/difficult questions**

Consider these questions in advance and make sure to bridge back to your key messages. Tune into the interviewer’s body language and questions for clues on how to respond. If a question is sensitive, it is always best to keep your answer extremely brief and immediately follow with a positive statement.

1. **Speak clearly, enunciate, but remain conversational**

Be succinct, answers may be edited down to 3 – 10 seconds. Use colorful, active language.

1. **Assume everything you say is [“on the record”](http://denterlein.com/off-the-record-meaning/)  
   **Never feel pressured to answer immediately. Know the “standard company response” and be aware of your words, tone of voice and body language.

**6. Think like a reporter**

Use the inverted pyramid technique in phrasing statements and responses. Know the points you want to make before your interview and try to make the most important points first.

1. **Avoid jargon **

Speak in language that everyone can understand.

1. **Be mindful of your posture **

Sit still. Don’t swivel, rock or sway, even if your chair moves. Make sure to look at the interviewer, not at the camera.

1. **Remain available after the interview**

Let your interviewer know you are available for any follow up questions they may have.

* *

*By Samantha Hooper*

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[< Back to Blog](https://www.denterlein.com/blog)

SEARCH BLOG

### BLOG ARCHIVES

- [best practices (3)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/best-practices)
- [climate (1)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/climate)
- [communications (1)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/communications)
- [Crisis communications (27)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/crisis-communications)
- [Digital and social (36)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/digital-and-social)
- [Employee communications (3)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/employee-communications)
- [environmental communications (1)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/environmental-communications)
- [Insider (5)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/insider)
- [media (9)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/media)
- [media list (1)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/media-list)
- [Public affairs (18)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/public-affairs)
- [Public relations (47)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/public-relations)
- [reporters (1)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/reporters)
- [social media (1)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/social-media)
- [storytelling (1)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/storytelling)
- [sustainability (1)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/sustainability)
- [tips (9)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/tips)
- [Uncategorized (2)](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/topic/uncategorized)

[see all](https://www.denterlein.com/blog/9-tips-great-media-interview#)

[![Denterlein](https://www.denterlein.com/hubfs/Denterlein_May2017_Theme/Images/logo.png "Denterlein")](https://www.denterlein.com/)

© 2023 Denterlein. All Rights Reserved.

[**](https://www.facebook.com/Denterlein/) [**](https://twitter.com/Denterlein?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/denterlein) [**](https://www.instagram.com/denterleinpr/)