29 Jul Media Interviews in 2020 – Post-COVID

Media Interviews in 2020 – Post-COVID

A lot has changed in our world. We’re all trying to keep up with things while being as safe as possible. The same is true when it comes to the very news you’re watching and the ability for you to be interviewed as an expert in your field. Your organization has a lot going on and now can be the perfect time to achieve earned media interviews.

Broadcasters have been forced to change up their formats during these times. Just like most other people, coronavirus is pushing the news to do their job from home. Both hosts and interviewees carry out their interviews remotely, which means that media interviews are taking place with Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime – and not in the studio. You’re probably seeing this all the time now – perhaps you’re even wondering how you could be on the news too.

What’s interesting is that while coronavirus has dramatically accelerated the trend of remote TV interviews, the foundation of the interview remains the same – the interviews must appear professional, engaging, and speak to the audience. Typically journalists would prefer to interview you in-studio or at your place of business to demonstrate this level of professionalism and connectedness, but now remote is the ‘new norm’.

Despite it all, there’s good news! Remote media interviews open new PR opportunities because they overcome geographical barriers. The guest who is being interviewed doesn’t have to get to the studio, and the video team doesn’t have to travel to your office. Easy! Right?

Remote interviews bring many opportunities, and we’re here to prepare you to overcome the new challenges that also arise with this new format. Since everything is unique, there’s a lot more to figure out and prepare to make sure everything goes according to plan.

Media stations are running interviews differently. Some stations are asking guests to pre-record their part of the interview and later edit in the host asking questions while others are a seamless interview. This means, by you being ready and prepped, no matter the ‘new norm’ changes, you’ll be lined up for a successful interview.

As with every media interview, it’s important to rehearse the most critical messages and be ready to navigate difficult questions, but now there’s more to consider. Here are some tips to make this new way of being interviewed by the media go as smoothly as possible.

Technology

Let’s face it – you will need some technology savviness to have a smooth interview. Why not brush up on these skills now so you can have the best, most professional-appearing interview?

Grab your laptop, computer or phone. Practice using teleconference options with a colleague. See how your microphone sounds and audio appears. Make sure your internet connection isn’t spotty in the office or area you’ll be doing your interview.

Test what it is like looking directly at the camera of your device rather than your own image in the video. Sometimes your image can be off to the side or bottom, but to connect with others, you’ll want to look directly at the camera. 

Production

You don’t need to be a video professional to make your interview go well, but a little effort can go a long way. Lightning, tripod and sound are the core three elements you’ll need.

Look at your lighting – does your entire face appear lighted on your screen? If not, either move to a location that doesn’t cast shadows or buy a simple ring light (relatively inexpensive) to have handy lightning anywhere.

Invest in a desk-top tripod that you can simply have to hold your phone if you’re doing interviews from your phone. Otherwise, ensure your laptop is secure and at eye-level. We’ve even seen news anchors put books under their laptops to prop it up for the appropriate height. *Helpful hint – make sure your camera is not appearing from below your chin (showing your nostrils) or too high above looking down. You want the camera to be right at your face level, so it’s just like talking with a friend.

Think you have good sound? Head to a location where there is not any echo as you speak (mostly spacious rooms, wood or tile floors, etc. have echo), shut down any alerts from your phone or computer before the interview and ensure your microphone is loud and clear. For most interviews, they will ask that you use earbuds so you can hear the host clearly without an echo. Make sure you have these handy!

Atmosphere

Most people will record their interview in their professional office – and that’s great! We have a few pointers about the atmosphere that will help tremendously. Try to have some interesting, although not distracting, items in your background. The staples for a great atmosphere are books, framed photos, a small plant, and other professional visuals.

If you’re in your office and have a swivel chair – lock it or use a non-moving chair. The natural inclination to move during an interview will show up.

Flexibility

This is all new to everyone, so there is naturally a bit of uncertainty. We all need to be flexible as we figure it out.

Your interview might have to be rescheduled or changed. Technical difficulties may happen, and interviewers can run late. The best way to deal with hiccups and changes is to approach it with flexibility and compassion. Accept that everyone is doing the best they can in these circumstances.

Tone

In times of crisis, the audience is looking for spokespeople who seem caring and show empathy. They also want them to be honest, credible, and open.

It can sometimes be difficult to demonstrate all of these characteristics via remote, but with a little prep on your tone, this can easily be accomplished.

Speculations 

Because situations are rapidly changing due to COVID-19, if you’re being interviewed on a related topic, it is now more important than ever to stick to what you know in an interview. Don’t get caught up in speculating or commenting on areas that are not your expertise. You don’t need to have an answer to every question. Stick to what your organization is doing and what you know.

Remember, you can always say that you don’t have the answer to a particular question while sharing what you do know with the audience.

If you would like to learn more about media interview trends in 2020, go to our blog page. If you would like a free consultation with NSPR, call us at (813) 865-3093.