How to Pivot Your Message and Improve Media Interviews

Have you ever been nervous and said the wrong thing on camera? Or maybe you had an interview that didn’t go quite as planned due to the reporter’s questions? If so, you’ve come to the right place. 

Today, I’m going to teach you how to pivot away from those unwanted conversations and turn them into your desired messaging. This will improve your media interviews, and thus, help you gain more positive exposure.

3 Ways to Pivot Your Message and Improve Media Interviews

Know Your Audience

Before you do anything else, study your audience. This means analyzing the media platform’s demographics. If it’s a local television station and your interview is scheduled for 11 AM, odds are you’ll have an older, retired demographic tuning in.

If that’s the case, research more about that age range in your city and see if you can find any common threads. That way, if the conversation starts to take a turn, you can use those similar interests or ideologies to make a connection with the audience and pivot back to your message.

Know the Reporter

Do you know who’s doing your interview? If so, it’s incredibly important to listen or watch some of their old interviews to learn how they work.

Some reporters may “stick to the script” and just ask about your upcoming book launch or brand expansion, but others may not. Savvy reporters will almost always do their own research on YOU, which means they may dig into your past or bring up any controversial topics you’ve been involved with.

Research your reporter so you can be better equipped to handle their questions and pivot the messaging.

Know Your Responses

Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to practice! This is the best way to pivot your message and improve your media interviews. Before the big day, sit down and brainstorm a list of potential questions they may ask. Then, practice what you would say.

Make sure your nonverbal cues match what you’re saying, and develop answers that will squash any negative tones or connotations. Remember to focus on your intended message, and don’t be afraid to use pauses and filler statements while you gather your thoughts.

While we can never fully know what to expect during a live interview, following these three simple steps can help you pivot your message and improve your media interviews. Don’t worry about the reporter’s verbiage — simply stick to YOUR script by making authentic connections with the audience and sharing your intended message. Doing so can only help your brand or business.

Are you ready to start scheduling those media interviews? If so, I’d love to help! Tap here to schedule a call with me today, and together, we’ll figure out an incredible media plan just for you!