When speaking to a reporter, it’s important to remember that they are looking for sound bites – short, snappy quotes that they can use in their article or broadcast. This can be frustrating if you have a lot to say on the topic, but by deploying these tips, you can ensure you get your message across.
Plan Ahead
First, plan what you’re going to say ahead of time. Identify the key points you want to make and think about how you can condense them into a few coherent sentences.
Keep it Short
The average TV news package is less than 1 minute. Factor in introductions and b-roll; there’s not much time to get your message across. Plan to keep your soundbites short – 5-10 seconds.
Repeat your Message
Finally, be prepared to repeat yourself. While the segment itself is less than a minute, your interview will be longer. To ensure your sound bite and complete message are included, repeat your main points throughout the interview.
The next time you speak to a journalist, remember to keep your message clear and concise and be prepared to answer questions quickly. You may not have the opportunity to say everything you want, but by following these tips, you’ll make sure your key points get across.
