To avoid interview mistakes like those displayed in the video below, here are a few tips to help prepare for news interviews. The more prepared you are, the better:

1. Before an interview, ask questions: Find out as much as you can about the opportunity before the interview. Things like…What’s the story angle? Will anyone else be interviewed? What’s the reporter’s deadline? If the interview is broadcast, will it be live or taped, in-person or over the phone? How familiar is the journalist with your company?
2. Get acquainted with the journalist’s style: Make sure to watch or listen to the journalist’s show or segment or read some of his / her articles prior to the interview to get a sense of the interview style. Lou Dobbs and Kathy Lee Gifford are very different.
3. Understand key messages and develop proof points: Depending on the topic of the interview, be sure to understand what needs to be communicated and how. Understand the tone of the interview and the audience and prepare yourself with key “proof points” (i.e. statistics, stories, examples) to support your statements.
4. Stay positive and on topic: In your answers, don’t speculate, don’t speculate and don’t speculate. (Ever!) Don’t let any other participant in the interview, be it the journalist or another guest, put words in your mouth. Don’t speak for anyone else; only speak to personal experience, knowledge and opinions. Most importantly, remember nothing is “off the record!”
5. Be clear, concise and compelling: Avoid jargon or technical terms, and don’t ramble. Remember, time is of the essence (especially for broadcast interviews). So, answer questions with your conclusion first to make your point, then follow with a supporting explanation.

Have your own interview tips or memories from “lessons learned?” If so, share them below. Thanks for reading!