Focus on your main point. Repeat it in different ways.
Mention only 2-3 secondary points.
Use analogies to help people understand.
Avoid jargon.
Don’t prattle. Let the reporter talk.
Be sure the reporter won't have to edit much; that way they’re less likely to distort the story accidentally.
Be yourself, but not chummy. Remain professional.
Act as if you’re always “on the record”.
Don’t guess. You can call back with answers or bridge back to what you know.
Ask if you’re offering right level of detail.
B. Learn about the reporter and the type of interview
If possible, read some of the reporter's work.
What’s the reporter's usual beat?
Ask:
How can I be helpful?
What’s the topic and your angle?
What’s the deadline?
Who are the other sources?
Will this be a live, live-on-tape, or edited interview?
Is this “one-on-one” or will you be representing one side of a debate?
Will you take call-in questions?
C. Take care of logistics
Have all of the information you need handy.
Get reporter’s contact information (direct phone, email, cell).
Share your contact information.
Let the reporter know your availability for the rest of the day.
Contact your supervisor and the college’s news service.
Be ready to send additional information to reporter immediately.
D. Don’t panic
Even a reporter on deadline can often give you 10 minutes to prepare.
If the reporter asks something you can’t answer, don’t try to. Bridge back to your main point with such phrases
as “but what’s really important here is” or “what I do know is that.”
If you goof during an edited interview, ask to re-do that segment.
When it’s done, ask a few questions to check the reporter's understanding.
E. Radio interviews (podcasting)
Use your voice expressively.
Speak in a natural, conversational manner.
Mention a website for more information.
F. TV interviews (streaming video on websites)
Look at the reporter, not the camera.
Sit up straight, and sit on the tail of your jacket to keep your clothing smooth.
Choose a good background.
Expect no more than 30 seconds. Keep it simple.
G. The interview is the first contact. Offer the interviewer supportive details: