Interview Tips for Media

7. Don'ts for media interview
   • Don't over react to a reporter's questions by becoming angry.
   • Don't answer a question out of your area of expertise, even if you know the correct answer.
   • Don't try to stop a story.
   • Don't tell a reporter more than he/she wants to know.
   • Don't discuss specific information that would tend to give aid to the competition.
   • Don't repeat negative questions in a response.
   • Don't argue with a reporter, even when provoked.
   • Don't blame anyone for anything.
   • Don't say "no comment".
   • Don't allow the reporter to compare yourself or your organization to anyone/anything else.
   • Don't ask the reporter when the story will appear.
   • Don't drop your guard when the interview is over.
   • Don't give additional publicity to bad news.
   • Don't expect every word, fact and figure to be reported.

8. Stay calm

   Be friendly even when the interviewer isn't. Avoid arguments. Be cool and positive.

9. Be concise

   Always keep answers short and must related to the point. You have to give a chance of being quoted correctly.

10. Be accurate

    The information provided must be absolutely accurate. If the information provided is wrong then your credibility can be destroyed.

11. Keep it simple

    You must avoid the abbreviations during the interview. You have to use the language that will understand by the public.

12. Be comfortable and take charge

    If the interviewer interrupts before you finish answering a question, then pause, listen and then continue to answer the initial question. If a reporter calls and you need time to gather the information, say you will call right back.