Gone are the days when the only people “on air” were celebrities or folks with their “15 minutes of fame.” Are you ready for your interview?
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There was a time when a stage or platform (literal and otherwise) was merely borrowed — and only with permission — by the one with the talent. To sing for a living meant you needed a record deal. To write for a living meant you needed a publishing contract.
In my case, to talk into a microphone for a living meant you first had to “run the board” at odd hours and for minimum wage until the radio station program director decided you were ready for more responsibility.
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… as more solo entrepreneurs, freelancers, bloggers, vloggers, podcasters, and other content creators continue to spring up from what are arguably the ashes of the industrial age, the ability of the average person to leverage these larger, more traditional, platforms has been strengthened.
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Those fortunate enough to be given a platform kept it on the condition they continued to make the gatekeepers money and/or look good. In the words of Janet Jackson, it was very much a “What have you done for me lately?” kind of world.
In many ways this model is still in play of course. But, as more solo entrepreneurs, freelancers, bloggers, vloggers, podcasters, and other content creators continue to spring up from what are arguably the ashes of the industrial age, the ability of the average person to leverage these larger, more traditional, platforms has been strengthened.
In other words, the more successful your solo endeavors become, the higher the demand for your presence as a guest not only on blogs and podcasts, but traditional stages like radio, TV and in mainstream magazines. And with this increased potential for exposure comes an increased importance in one’s ability to communicate a message clearly and convincingly, and often in mere minutes.
Here, then, are a former professional broadcaster’s four best tips to help you crush your next media interview.
#1 — Adapt Your Style to the Situation
In the new book Steal the Show, author Michael Port, a former professional actor, says it’s possible to adopt different styles of behavior and still be authentic.
“We win,” he says, “when we present the best parts of ourselves, but not every part of ourselves. We succeed when we amplify the parts of our personalities that match the needs of the moment and we set aside, but don’t hide, the parts of ourselves that don’t.”
In other words, if your interviewer is one whose style is thoughtful, sophisticated and deliberate, take note to couch your answers in a similar tone and style. If your normal style is, say, from the hip, animated and whimsical, and you don’t make an effort to adjust, you may, Michael says, “cause conflict, alienate people, and limit your ability to excel.”
#2 — Understand Why You Were Chosen
Oftentimes, the initial reasons you were sought out will be obvious, as the person extending the invitation will likely communicate as much during the ask. Even then, though, there may have been assumptions made about your background, experience, or level of expertise.
In some cases, a pre-interview will be scheduled. The pre-interview is your opportunity to get clear on what’s expected, from the specific questions you’ll be asked to the amount of time you’ll be given to respond.
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A professional interviewer will understand you’re genuinely concerned with bringing the most value you can to their audience.
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In the absence of a pre-interview, however, ask to be given the interview questions in advance. I’ve actually heard some say this is the mark of an amateur. A comment like, “If they can’t think on their feet, they’re not enough of an expert to begin with,” is common.
I disagree. A professional interviewer will understand you’re genuinely concerned with bringing the most value you can to their audience.
#3 — Avoid the Temptation to Tell All
One of the hardest things to grasp for those lacking experience being interviewed, is knowing when to stop talking. The tendency is to say too much.
It’s a fine line. Share too little detail and risk frustrating your audience. Share too much detail and risk encouraging your audience to look for the “exits.”
Rehearse succinct answers to the questions you anticipate. If the interviewer wants more, don’t worry. They’ll ask.
#4 –Compliment Your Interviewer
You will quickly endear yourself to your interviewer when you genuinely take advantage of any moments to shine the spotlight on them.
In a recent interview I did with Jay Baer (hyperlink to: http://readtoleadpodcast.com/112), author of Hug Your Haters, he began a response to one of my early questions with, “Thanks very much Jeff. I appreciate you acknowledging that.”
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Being interviewed can be intimidating, whether with traditional media like radio, TVor print, or even non-traditional outlets like podcasts and blogs.
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To me, with that brief remark, he helped communicate to my listeners that I’d done my homework and that I’d prepared better-than-average questions, all of which made me feel good and excited for the rest of the interview.
At the same time, avoid the tired, “That’s a great question,” at the beginning of any response. It’s so overused it’s become the equivalent of audio wallpaper. Most times it sounds less like a genuine compliment and more like a stall tactic.
Being interviewed can be intimidating, whether with traditional media like radio, TVor print, or even non-traditional outlets like podcasts and blogs. The interviewer is looking to you to share your experiences and expertise with their audience as clearly and succinctly as you can.
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If you’ll consistently follow these four tips, I believe you’ll not only achieve your own goals, but that of the interviewer as well, greatly increasing the likelihood you’ll be invited back.
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