Whoops! How to Handle a Tough Media Interview
Whoops! How to Handle a Tough Media Interview
1. When asked an embarrassing or inappropriate question.
Reframe the question by beginning with, *What I felt was....*
Then focus attention on a broader social issue or expand it to
encompass what many people might feel. An interviewer asked one
of my clients who had been raped: *Did you feel dirty,
unlovable, ashamed?* Instead of answering, *Yes,* she might have
responded, *Many women whether they've been raped or not, have
been made to feel that way about their bodies or sexuality at
some point in their lives. That's why I've chosen to speak out
on this sensitive issue now. To give a voice to all of us, even
those who have no voice.*
2. When asked a question that is too personal.
Use humor to lighten the atmosphere. Or change the nature of the
question gracefully by saying, *What I'd really like to say
is....* Or, *The question I'd really like to answer is....* Or,
*In my book I say....* Or, *I'd like to keep that part of my
life private, but I would like to share this....* Then offer
something else delicious and intimate.
3. When an interview is lagging.
Ask to read a passage from your book or describe your service
with a tightly condensed and powerful phrase. You will have
already chosen in advance a paragraph or two that is
particularly exemplary. Don't feel shy about offering. Most
interviewers are so busy they may not have had a chance to
review or even peruse your book or the information you've
provided. You are the person most familiar with your book,
personality or business and the best parts of it! When she was
being interviewed for her book, *Some of Me,* Isabella Rosellini
delighted her audience by picking an imaginative and lively
section which she read with feeling.
4. When you're pressed on a sensitive point.
When Terry Gross pressed Chuck D, leader of the rap group Public
Enemy, about one of the members of his group making anti-Semitic
remarks, he answered vaguely a number of times and then said
bluntly, *Let's move on,* which made him appear rude. Instead,
he might have said, *I've really said all I can say about this.
Can we go on to the next question?* Or, *I've really answered
this to the best of my knowledge at this time with the
information I have available.*
Another way to handle persistent questions on a topic you wish
to avoid is to give a series of very short responses, or answer
them with information that is so charming or captivating the
interviewer won't notice you've deviated from his/her request.
The interviewer will then feel as if his/her questions have been
answered satisfactorily without being embarrassed by not being
able to elicit a direct response from you.
5. When you haven't been asked something you want to cover.
Offer to share something the interviewer hasn't thought of. Most
often he/ she will greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness. Use a
teaser tidbit. *I could tell you about...if you'd like.* It may
surprise you but people rarely remember the questions an
interviewer poses. What they remember are your answers. And when
they no longer remember your answers they remember the feeling
they received when hearing you speak.
Learn how to handle the 4 most difficult types of interviewers
in *Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul* (HarperCollins).
Need to prepare for a meeting, promotion, presentation, job or
media interview? Go to http://tinyurl.com/6ypqj