Depending on your role in your community or organization, you may be called upon to do a media interview. No matter the subject or your level of comfort with said subject, good preparation remains the key to the success of any media interview. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Find out about the journalist’s intentions and the type of interview that will be conducted

Before accepting the request, first ask the journalist a few questions to get as much information as you can about the interview.

• What media does the journalist work for?
• What is the purpose of the interview, the topic and the angle from which it will be approached?
• How will the interview take place (by phone, videoconference, live or pre-recorded, etc.)?
• Where and when will the interview take place (place, date, time and expected duration)?
• On what date will the article or report be disseminated?
• Will other guests be present during the interview?

2. Ask to receive the questions in advance

Knowing the questions that will be asked before the interview not only helps you prepare and avoid being caught off guard, but also ensures that you are indeed able to answer them.

Although most journalists are happy to provide questions before the interview, some refuse to do so. In this situation, it is still possible to request a list of the different topics that will be covered to get a general idea, at the very least.

3. Prepare your answers

For each question you will be asked, identify the key information to be conveyed with your answers. If necessary, do some research or ask the appropriate contact in your community to obtain the information you need.

Before the interview, take time to practice a few times, but above all, to master all the elements you plan to address when you answer the questions. The idea is not to learn everything by heart since this could cause your answers to sound less natural and fluid. However, this step will allow you to answer the questions with confidence and ease.

4. Anticipate tricky questions

If the subject matter of the interview has a sensitive component, it is a good idea to prepare some answers to any sensitive questions that may arise. In the middle of an interview, it is not always easy to dodge the questions that we do not wish to answer. By being well prepared, you avoid being taken by surprise!

5. Think about technical and logistical details

To avoid any technical inconvenience or disruption during the interview, here are some good practices:

• If the interview is conducted over the telephone, make sure you are seated in a calm and quiet place where you will not be disturbed. If you use your cell phone, make sure the signal strength is strong enough to avoid interruption.
• If you are being filmed, opt for sober clothes in solid colours. Avoid stripes and flamboyant prints that often look bad on screen. Wear clothes you are comfortable in.

If the interview is conducted by videoconference, adjust your camera to the right height so that you can be seen clearly on the screen. Remember to choose a location with a nice background and enough light. Before the interview, make sure your Internet connection is stable and your technical equipment is operational