Media Interview Training Tips & Resources

Media interviews can range from friendly to hostile and everything in between. Need media training tips, press training or to learn how to answer tough media questions?

Here’s how to prepare in advance, how to handle all types of media interviews and, most important, how to put your best foot forward.

So get ready, get set, get interviewed! Lots more media training at TV Interview Clips and Media Interview Planning. Sites with a  W are PR Coach “winners.” Note, some sites are PDF documents or video, requiring patience while opening.

4 Tips to Defuse Radio Rants 
Tips to handle crazy callers and other unexpected situations.

5 Golden Rules for TV Interviews
Practical preparation will help get you TV-ready.

5 Tips for a Successful News Media Interview
Steve Wilson offers five quick media interview tips.

5 Ways to Avoid Being Misquoted by Reporters
You can avoid being misquoted by reporters by following a few simple rules.

5 Worst Video Media Disasters of October 
Valuable media training lessons are contained in these video clips.

6 Tips for Taking Control of Media Interviews
These six tips, starting with preparation, will help you take control of interviews.

7 Mistakes Spokespersons Often Make With TV News and Feature Media
There’s actually 10 tips to help you avoid common media interview mistakes.

7 Tips to Avoid These Deadly Interview Sins
Practical media training tips from Margaret McCann.

8 Simple Steps to Talk to Reporters
Karen Friedman shares eight tips to get you talking more effectively with reporters.

10 Tips for Successful Sound Bites
Media training 101 from BurrellesLuce.

10 Tips for Talking Heads
Planning to be interviewed? These 10 broadcast interview tips will help you put on your best face.

10 Tips on What to Do If You’re the Next Sarah Palin
Here’s how to survive your next interview from Norm Schneider.

17 Media Interview Mistakes That Cost You Money
Brian Offenberger (aka RSS Ray) points out 17 common radio interview mistakes.

33 Miners Media Training + News Conference Tips: Crisis Communications
Rick Amme offers crisis media tips and mentions training for the Chilean miners.

AAAS Media Interview Tips
A good set of interview tips for scientists from AAAS.

AAAS Television and Radio Media Tips
These TV and radio tips are designed to make your interviews more effective.

A Guide to Successful Media Interviews
This is a really thorough and useful media interview guide from the National Interagency Fire Center. W

A Guide to Writing Press Releases: Insider Tips From a Newspaper Reporter
This is a really thorough guide including how to write a news release and numerous tips on how to pitch it, what to expect and what reporters need. W

A Simple Question, Yes or No? [VIDEO 3:43]
Spokesman for Senator Norm Coleman, on issue of expensive suits, uses key messaging repeatedly. Effectively? You be the judge.

Acing the Interview: Preparation Is Everything
Preparation for media interviews critical writes Andy Gilman.

Ah Obama’s “60 Minutes” ah Interview Great Except ah for All of the ahs 
Watch for ah, the ah’s.

Amazon’s Jeff Bezos Shows How to Apologize
Saying sorry is appropriate when done well.

An Answer to Avoiding the Question
Politicians and other interviewees will have more success if they answer the questions.

Are You Ready for Your Media Interview?
Paul Lima offers tips on getting ready for interviews.

Be a Hot Guest
Want to make a huge impact on hundreds of thousands of people? Start talking topically. On radio, that is.

Be the Media’s Dream Guest – Publicity Tips
Eight tips to help you hit a home run in your next TV or radio interview.

Best response may be no response
Jerry Brown says don’t keep a bad story alive.

Bridging Over Troubled Waters
Learn the critical skill of “bridging” to help you improve your media interview skills immeasurably.

Broadcast Media and Spokesperson Skills
How to become a powerful spokesperson with these broadcast interview tips from The SPIN Project.

Buzz Machine
This is Jeff Jarvis’ blog about buzz, news and the media.

Can You Stop an On-Air Laughing Fit?
This media training tip from Brad Phillips is, well, too funny.

Catching Flack
Jon Greer’s blog often has excellent spokesperson tips.

Causes and Sources for News Story Errors
Both sides make mistakes writes Jim Lukasziewski and here’s how to recognize and eliminate them.

Chilean Miners Ready to Face the Press
Alejandro Pino, radio journalist, has been coaching the miners to handle the crush of media expected as the rescue is completed.

Chilean Miners: Will Media Training Help Them Cope?
A look at the training provided to the rescued miners by The PR Coach.  W

Committing to Social Media Monitoring
12 tips to help you monitor social media better.

Communicating During a Crisis – Tips for Handling the Media
Useful checklist of media tips and positioning statements from the Mississippi Dept of Education.

Communicating Risk in a Soundbite
This guide from the Science Media Center nicely captures how to respond to difficult questions and shares some of the Qs you can expect in advance. W

Communicating Uncertainty in a Soundbite
This Science Media Center offers some very effective ways for scientists to talk about uncertainty in a brief interview. W

Control Media Interviews [VIDEO 2:35]
Rick Amme talks about using controlling media interviews by using the “satisfy and steer” technique to deliver your own key messages. W

Counteracting the Reporter’s Most Powerful Weapon – Color Words
Jim Lukasziewski identifies those negative, emotional color words used by some reporters and how to handle them. W

Dallas Local News Station Take on Social Media [VIDEO 3:04]
Very VERY funny take on social media by a TV news crew. Must see!  W W

Defuse Leading Questions
You can handle “leading” questions with a little advance preparation.

DePaul University Media Interview Tips
Here’s a thorough media relations guide with useful interview tips.

Developing Effective Key Messages
A practical guide to developing clear, concise key messages.

Don’t be a Windshield Wiper [VIDEO 0:18]
Allan Bonner shares media interview tips.

Don’t Use Numbers – Use Social Statistics
Improve your interviews by using people-friendly messages not numbers says Brad Phillips.  W

Eight Warning Signs That a Reporter Plans to Flip the Script
Scott Baradell provides eight signals that the media agenda may be changing and prompts you to be wary. W

Engaging the Media
Lengthy but thorough PowerPoint overview of media relations from an IEEE conference.

Five Keys to a Successful Media Interview
A solid set of tips from Thomas Greaney to guide you to better media interviews.

Five Tips for a Successful Media Interview
These five simple tips will help you have a positive interview.

Five Tips to Handle Tough Questions From Reporters
If the tough questions start coming in an interview, here’s how to handle them skillfully.

Forensis Attero Nuntius
Trash the legalese for more effective media interviews.

Get Ready for Your Close-Up
Media interview tips to help you get your point across from Backbone.

Gotcha TV: Fox News Crews Stalk Bill O’Reilly’s Targets
You may never face an “ambush” interview but understanding how this bad journalism works could save you.

Guidelines for Speaking With the Media
These guidelines will help corporate spokespeople handle investor questions properly.

Handling Media Interviews – A Few Tips
Xavier University media interview tips are brief and practical.

Harvey Leach
UK media trainers’ blog features regular media training and interview tips.

Here Comes Trouble
Candid advice on how a CEO can manage media problems during a crisis.

How Do I Become Media Savvy?
SAASTA provides practical media relations tips for scientists.

How to Ace Your Next Interview
To improve your interviews, learn the three questions every reporter cares about.

How to Ace Your Next Interview [VIDEO 2:23]
Karen Friedman provides insight and practical media interview tips.

How to Avoid the TV Talk Show Bait
Getting “baited” and losing your cool do not win over audiences as these two examples show. W

How to Create the Perfect Media Message
Brad Phillips offers superb 7-part media training advice.  W

How to Deal With a “Troublesome” Journalist
Rick Amme shares a story about taking charge to create positive media relations.

How to Do a Media Interview
Here’s a good set of interview planning tips and techniques on handling controversies and tough situations.

How to Get More From Interview Opportunities
Six media interview tips to get you ready for news success.

How to Handle Tough Questions from Reporters [VIDEO 2:08]
Tripp Frolichstein discusses how to handle reporters’ tough questions properly on MyRaganTV. W

How to Make the Media Your Mouthpiece to the Public
Karen Friedman offers practical interview tips and eight questions you can expect in just about every interview. W

How to Mention Your Book in an Interview
Wondering how to mention your book in an interview? Chelsea McLean tells how.

How to Prepare for an Interview
These tips will get you ready to talk to media.

How to Prepare for Media Interviews
California Fire Alliance provides basic media interview tips.

How to Prepare Your Subject Matter Experts for News Media Interviews
Valeria Maltoni offers helpful tips to prep for media interviews using new media. W

How to Respond When Responding is Illegal
Four excellent media relations options when your response is limited.

How to Survive an Ambush Interview (Pt I)
Here’s how to avoid getting ambushed.

How to Survive Ambush Interviews (Pt 2)
More smart media training tips.

How to Tell When a Reporter Plans to Flip the Script
What are the warning signs when a reporter has another agenda? Learn from Scott Baradell in this excellent post. W

How to Write a Statement
A statement is clearer, faster and sometimes more useful for a reporter. Here’s how to write one.

How to Write Talking Points
Good talking points are clear, concise and easily delivered. Here’s how to put good talking points together.

How to Write the Perfect Media Elevator Pitch
If you can answer the question “What do you do?” you’re halfway to an effective media interview.

I’m Eating a Cookie: An Instant Media Classic
Flippant health official looks bad avoiding comment; later fired.  W

If You’d Please Let Me Finish
Excellent advice on handling interviewer interruptus.  W

Interpreter Needed for Google PR Rep’s Replies to NY Times Columnist
Fundamental such for any media interview: Keep it simple stupid.  W

Interview Tactics – Gayl Murphy
Author, Hollywood reporter and interview expert Gayl Murphy shares interview tips for celebrities, CEOs and anyone facing the media.

Is There Such a Thing as Off the Record?  [VIDEO 3:09]
Johna Burke and Mark Ragan discuss whether ‘off the record’ still exists with media.

It’s All About Sound Bites
Steve Wilson provides tips on how to create and deliver sound bites for effective media interviews.

Jeff Crilley’s Free PR Tip on Soundbites [VIDEO 2:14]
A look at Ronald Regan’s masterful use of “soundbites.”

Just Answer the Reporter’s Questions, Thank You
Don’t use bridging to shift an interview to your own agenda, unless you’ve been media-trained. It may backfire. W

Katie Couric on How to Conduct a Good Interview [VIDEO 5:08]
News anchor and interviewer Couric discusses what makes a great interview in this video clip.

KDFW Suspends Rebecca Aguilar After Controversial “Ambush”
Pick up on an interesting “ambush” interview, viewer outrage and debate over the ethics of ambush interviews. W

Managing Media Interviews
Excellent media training tips from Tressa Robbins

Mastering the Media
Save the Children produced this well-done media interview guide worth reviewing. Tips on preparation, bridging, messaging, interview improvement and a checklist to rate your performance. W

Mastering the Q and A
Unexpected or unwanted questions can be challenging, but these tips from Karen Friedman will help you be at your best.

Media Coaching
Gregg McLachlan shares valuable media training tips and resources.  W

Media Interview Guide
This at a glance guide will help you prepare for media interviews.

Media Interview Guidelines
California Association of Realtors tips include print, radio, TV and web interview suggestions.

Media Interview Guidelines for Print, Radio and Television
These guidelines from the Emergency Nurses Association cover most media interview situations.

Media Interviews and You
Useful interview tips from the University of North Texas.

Media Is the Battlefield
See how the army handles media training. Comprehensive, with sample docs.

Media Relations and the Role of the Public Information Officer
The PIO has a unique role and can provide similar media interview tips to help you make the most of your media encounters.

Media Skills for Scientists
This media guide is thorough, well-researched and features tools and learning exercises well worth studying! W

Media Tips – Queen’s News Centre
A set of planning and interview tips for university spokespeople.

Media Training 101: Rudeness is Never Acceptable
Toronto’s newly elected mayor shows rudeness in this nationally broadcast radio interview on CBC.

Media Training: Gayl Murphy – Interview Tactics
Hollywood correspondent and expert media training coach talks about interview tactics in a one-hour Voice of America  interview.

Media Training Tips for the Novice
Basic interview tips from Ailen Pincus to get you started on a positive path.

Media Training 101: The Top Ten Tips for TV Interviews
Thomas Murrell provides ten tips to get you comfortably in front of the TV camera.

Media Training: Coaching Tips for Media Interviews
These interview tips from The Pincus Group will help you in control.

Media Training Example [VIDEO 1:26]
This media tips video is practical and covers interview presentation basics.

Media: Why They’re Just Not That Into You [VIDEO 2:47]
Selection of TV, radio and print reporters, editors and producers share their beefs about poor pitches. Excellent pitch pointers from those know what they want and how you can deliver it. W W

Meet the Media: A News Interview Guidebook
Produced for the Latino Issues Forum, this is is a practical guide to media relations.

Meeting With An Editorial Board
An editorial board meeting can be a powerful media relations strategy.

Never Repeat the Reporter’s Negative Comment!
Repeating a negative can get you into trouble fast, just like Sarah Palin with Katie Couric. You betcha!

Non-Apology Apologies
What’s a non-apology and when and why should you use it?

Not Balanced
Always get back to the reporter fast or you lose your voice in a story.

‘Off the record’ vs ‘on background’: What every PR pro should know…
When it’s smart and when it’s not time to be on the record.

Oh, the Mistakes Spokespeople Make: Ten Sure-Fire Ways to Blow an Interview
These ten common interview mistakes are entirely avoidable. Read ‘em and learn. W

On Executives and Elevators: Perfecting the “Pitch”
Want to know how to create the perfect elevator pitch? Read on.

On the Record: How to Finesse Two Tricky Situations in Media Relations
When in a difficult media situation, here’s how to decline comment or when, if ever, to comment “off the record” according to David Freedman. W

One Size Doesn’t Fit All – Reporters Come in All Sizes
Reporters can be inexperienced or formidable and everything in between. Here’s a look at 12 tactics Karen Friedman says they each may use to get the story out of you. W

Open Microphone Nails Another One
Beware the open microphone as CA Assembly Rep Mike Duvall learned.

Opinion & Commentary
Learn the ins and outs of effective op-ed articles for scientists and spokespeople.

Out of Time: Facing a PR Nightmare
Here’s how one association dealt with an investigative reporter.

PR Buzzsaw
Blog from Sawmill PR often features media training tips.

Play Golf America News Bureau: Media Interview Tips
These tips will help you prepare, handle and follow up properly with media.

Print Interview Tips
Fenton Communications shows how to handle print interviews effectively.

Public Relations Basics: 14 Tips for Your Next Media Interview
If you’re getting ready for a media campaign, these tips will help ace your next interview.

Public Relations – Bridging 3 [VIDEO 1:26]
Republican strategist Cheri Jacobus illustrates bridging technique in shifting issue from McCain to Obama in interview.

Public Relations – Bridging 6 [VIDEO 1:56]
McCain spokesperson Mike Duhaime shows effective use of “bridging” to his preferred messaging in interview with MSNBC reporter.

Public Relations – Deflecting [VIDEO 1:12]
Senator Hillary Clinton uses “deflection” tactic effectively in her MSNBC interview.

Public Relations Interview Questions
Here’s set of interview tips to help you anticipate and handle media questions better.

Public Relations – Talking Points 1 [VIDEO 4:54]
Rep Eric Cantor shows how to stick to your messaging in a Chris Matthews MSNBC Hardball interview.  W

Publicity Tools: Media Interview Tips
Basic interview tips to guide you to better publicity results.

Question and Answer Secrets
Here are several ways to handle potentially dangerous Q and A sessions.

Reaching Out to the Radio
Radio is a unique medium and here’s the Sierra Club’s tips on how to reach out to radio.

Ready, Train, Fire: Preparing to Face Traditional and Citizen Journalists
Here’s some tips you can use to get your messages across to media.

Reporters Aren’t the Problem – You May Be
If you understand the predictability of reporters, Rick Amme says you can respond effectively.

Rules When Speaking to the Media
Find some practical media guidelines and six useful response techniques for credit union spokespeople.

Sarah Palin’s Media Training
Slate offers some media training tips for Sarah Palin next time around. You betcha!

Say It on the Radio
Skipp Porteous shows how to get on the radio and handle an interview effectively.

Secrets of the Media Savvy: Best Tips for Media Interviews
Prepare for, carry-out and follow interview tips from Tom Wadsworth, along with some useful words of caution.

Seven Media Interview Mistakes
Avoid these seven basic mistakes for interview success.

Seven Media Training Tips
Harvey Leach media trainers share seven useful tips.

Sing Like a Diva
Make media relations a priority with these top-notch media interview strategies. W

Sizzling Sound Bites
Sound bites can add interest to your key messages.

Smart Tips for E-Mail Interviews
A few quick tips to help you handle email interviews better.

Soundbite Battles [VIDEO 2:35]
Rick Amme shows how to win the battle of the soundbites by coming up with a process that’s seen to be fair.

Soundbites
Lorri Allen blogs about interviews, interviewees and “making sense of the news.”

Speaking to the Media
A series of practical articles on media interviews, presentation tips and more from Sources.

Stand and Deliver: Tips for Being the Great Spokesperson
The Bad Pitch blog provides 10 top things a great spokesman (or spokeslady) should never do.

Staying Cool Under the Hot Lights
A look inside media training and how it paid off for this CEO.

Stop Making Your Opponents’ Case For Them!
Be careful not to give away a quote that helps your opposition.

Surviving the Media Interview: Three Great Media Training Tips
These three key tips will give you a solid, positive foundation for interview success.

Tactics of the Media
Learn how to respond to contrarian and double bind interview tactics.

Talk to Reporters But Watch Every Word You Say
Words matter. Even more in media interviews, so choose your words carefully.

Talking Points – SourceWatch
Interesting view of key messages or “talking points” from SourceWatch.

Talking Too Much: Chevron
Rich Becker wonders with all this talk is Chevron listening?  W

Teaching Media Interview Skills
Older but still relevant outline for media training by Jason Berger.

Telephone Interviews Made Easy
To make the most of your next telephone interview, follow Colin Rowan’s top ten tips.

Television Interview Checklist
Several brief tips to guide your next TV interview.

Television Reporters – Questions to Ask Before Agreeing to an Interview
These 12 questions will help you set the ground rules for your TV interview.

Tell the Truth
It’s one of the PR fundamentals. Tell the truth. GM didn’t.

Tell Your Story Confidently: Prepare for an Interview
An excellent set of media interview tips with a useful checklist. W

Tell Your Story Confidently: Understanding Reporters
Find out what motivates reporters and how to get them hooked on your story. Great tips. W

Tell Your Story Confidently: What You Must Do Immediately When a Crisis Hits
Ten excellent tips for managing a communications crisis. W

The 21 Most Essential Media Training Links
Brad Phillips shares 21 excellent media training resources.  W W

The Eyes Have It
Learn where to look so you project honesty and confidence.

The Fallacy of the Ambush Interview
Eric Bergman questions the value of “ambush” interviews in training.

The Ins and Outs of Interviews
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences produced this brief set of media interview guidelines.

The Long and the Short of It
The message here is prepare, prepare, prepare.

The Media Interview
This is George Plumley’s blog “on the arts of being interviewed, of interviewing, and of media training.” Thorough and thoroughly insightful. W

The Most Important Thing in PR That No One Is Doing: Media Training
Seven solid media training tips to live by.

The Rules for Keeping Your Cool in an Interview
Jeffrey Cole offers some solid keep-your-cool media training tips.

The Story Rules
Have a story. Keep it simple and focused. And tell it well. That’s the key to successful interviews.

Thirteen Tips for Great Media Interviews
For health researchers, these tips can help you communicate more effectively.

This is the Only Statement I Will Make on This Matter
NHL goalie causes ruckus and misstatements.

Time to Bar ‘Corporate Speak’
Throw away that jargon for better interviews and better communication.

Tips for a Successful Media Interview
Eight ways to help you get the most out of your media interviews.

Tips for Effectively Using the Media
Media can be valuable allies. Here’s how to develop effective messages, pitch your story and handle interviews.

Tips for Giving a Media Interview
Here’s how to prepare and present information the media and the public want to hear.

Tips for Giving Successful Radio Interviews
How to get ready, carry out a radio interview and follow up for great results from Ben Silverman.

Tips for Interviewing With the Media
Some useful interview tips from the Maine Coalition on Smoking or Health. The “Common Traps” are especially good. W

Tips for Ten-Minute Interviews
Christina Khoury shares five useful tips for short interviews.

Tips for Working With Media
U of Calgary offered these media interview tips.

Tips From the Media Mavens at Mothers Acting Up
Interview planning and tips for telephone and TV interviews.

Top Tips for Media Work
Here’s how to prepare yourself for unexpected interaction with the media, what to do when the media calls and how to handle challenging issues. From the Science Media Center. W

University of Arizona – Media Interview Guide
From “why it’s important,” to messaging, your appearance, interview tactics and more.

Vanderbilt Television News Archive
Since 1968, Vanderbilt has archived TV newscasts from the five major networks. It’s an awesome resource for PR people for media training, research and reference. W

Verbal White Space: The Importance Of Pausing
Learning to use verbal white space – or a short pause – allows the audience to process your ideas on their terms.  W

War of the Words: Can We Talk Off the Record?
Ed Barks debates the pros and cons of “off the record” and offers ten tips on when and how to do so.

What Are Reporters Really Watching? Strategies for Non-Verbal Success
Experienced reporters listen carefully and also watch body language. Ed Barks helps build stronger presence.

What to Ask Reporters
Eleven good questions to ask reporters when they call.

What to Do When the Investigate Journalist Calls
You don’t always have to agree to be part of a story reminds Jim Lukasziewski.

What’d He Say??
Park the PR jargon by the SUV or risk alienating audience.

What’s Your Most Dreaded Question?
And Steve Wilson’s answer is: How could you let this happen? Be prepared to answer this one. W

When Bad Things Happen to Good Spokespeople: Handling Tough Interviews
Learn how to avoid combative interviews from Steve Bennett and his tips to turn around difficult interviews.

When It’s Okay to Go “On Background” with a Reporter
Smart advice regarding media interviews.

When Reporters Put Words in Your Mouth
See how an ABC reporter’s attempt at paraphrasing almost offended a Queen, a CEO, and a movie star.

When the News Media Call
Get ready in advance, get it right and get a positive story.

When Media Interviews Attack
Handling competing stations and interviewee availability is an art as this case study shows.

When Reporters Put Words In Your Mouth
See how an ABC reporter’s attempt at paraphrasing almost offended a Queen, a CEO, and a movie star.

Why Have A Message?
Media training message tips worth noting.

Why Soundbites Are Important
The elevator pitch and soundbites are featured in this Aussie tip.

Why Using Humor with the Media is Dangerous
The perils of humor and how to recover.

Working With Reporters
Get tips from five top science reporters to help you deliver what they need to produce compelling stories. W

Working With the Media: Non-Taped Interview Tips
Help the reporter get it right with these tips for handling a non-taped interview.

Write Letters to the Editor
Letter to the editor can be powerful, authoritative and effective. Here’s how to do them right!

You and the Media: A Researchers Guide to Dealing Effectively With the Media
American Geophysical Union produced this superb media relations guide which includes detailed strategies, preparing for interviews, message tip sheet and much more.

You Landed Your First TV Interview! Now What?
Five tips for positive coverage from Michelle Damico.

You’re a Grand Ole Flag
Down home title aside, you’ll learn the important media interview skill of “flagging” to get across a key point.

Your Lying Boss 
Here’s an interesting set of media training tips to watch out for from Brad Phillips.

Photo credit: Thomas Hawk