THE FOUNDATION OF MEDIA RAPPORT

Cornerstone #2: Skills > Speaking

When speaking with reporters you want to keep the Four F’s of oral communication in mind – friendly, factual, focused, and free.

First and foremost, be friendly. If you take a hostile tone with the reporter and make it more of a debate rather than a casual conversation, you will lose out on an opportunity. People often go into interviews thinking the media are “out to get them or their industry”. Working with the media starts with having a good attitude. You also need to be factual in what you present to focused on the issue at hand. If you stray from the topic when speaking with a reporter, you will frustrate them. Finally, you need to feel free to speak your mind. Have an opinion and don’t waffle on issues and questions. Having an opinion often provides the best quotes!