Keeping Your Cool during Interviews

Interviews, Media, Public Relations, Uncategorized No Responses »

Oct 112011

We’ve all witnessed a number of TV interviews where celebrities and spokespeople have lost their cool and stormed off set, particularly when asked questions about their personal life that is completely irrelevant to the topic at hand. Of course, there is certain etiquette to handling high-pressure situations like this – while we may not always have control over the questions we are asked, we can keep check of how we react to them. As difficult as it may be to not let your emotions get in the way.

Remember, there are times when it is appropriate to let your emotions shine through as it can add a genuine touch, but under the wrong circumstances it can simply make your audience uncomfortable. Brad Phillips gives us some quick and easy tips on how to regain your composure when put under the spotlight, such as during an interview or a speech. Continue reading »

Don’t sweat through the questions of your next television interview

Interviews, Media 2 Responses »

Jul 112011

Now that we’ve learned a little about the history of Television and what that all means to PR, it’s time to move on to one of the most fear-inspiring ways to get your message out there – TV interviews.

When I first started working in PR, I couldn’t really understand what all the fuss was about when it came to TV interviews. The CEO of a multi-national company meets with dozens of people for business a day and answers countless questions. Then what is the big deal about talking in front of a camera – a lifeless piece of equipment, and what do they need media training for? It’s not like they are facing Russell Crowe, dressed as a gladiator, about to square off in a duel to the death.

But that was until I faced the music, the camera in this case, for a mock interview. What I heard wasn’t Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9; in fact, what transpired was far from it. Instead I was sweating bullets and talking gibberish.

That was when I realised that the camera may just be an inanimate piece of technology, but it can either intimidate even the best of speakers or make superstars out of those who know how to befriend it, depending on who is calling the shots i.e., asking questions at the other end and if the person facing the camera measures up. So after my first disastrous experience, I made sure I attended as many media training sessions as possible, to become the speaker I know I could become, because each time I learned something new and interesting.

Here are some great examples I’ve come across along the way. Continue reading »

Interview questions? These can get tricky for anybody

How to, Interviews 6 Responses »

Jul 062011

Ah, interviews: sweaty palms, racing heartbeats and for me personally, never knowing what to do with my hands. You’d think you were getting ready to meet your mate to an arranged marriage for life. But if you think you’re the only one that’s nervous, think again. Have you ever stopped to consider what the interviewer is feeling? If you think all of the pressure is on you, well think again, because a lot of it is on the person sitting behind the desk as well. Not only do they have to pick and choose from quite a few candidates, but determine if you are their one and only (like mingling, dating and getting married all at a speed faster than light), and that’s quite a feat to take on.

So, let’s give a shout out to all you interviewers and discuss the hardships you face, because it definitely isn’t easy. As an interviewer, your job is to play psychologist to uncover the interviewee’s personality, abilities and capabilities (without the help of a degree in psych), and while you may think you’re on track by asking weird questions like, ‘If you were a fruit, which one would you be?’, there has to be sound reasoning behind what you ask. That is because the job interview is the most critical step in the process of hiring new people for a company. It’s an important opportunity for both the interviewer and the interviewee to evaluate the potential business relationship.
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How to handle tough interview questions

How to, Interviews, Media, Media Training No Responses »

May 052011

A reporter’s job is to get the most interesting angle out of a story. If there’s something scandalous, confidential or even remotely fascinating, we guarantee it will be brought up. Preparation is the ultimate word of wisdom on the matter; predicting the questions is critical for preparing great answers.

These are some tough issues that may present themselves in an interview.

It’s Personal
Nothing is personal anymore. Your business is everybody’s business, particularly if you’re a public figure and especially since the explosion of social media. When answering these delicate questions, it’s important to acknowledge the point, and then direct the answer towards your favour. You should always have prepared and rehearsed responses when you know there is an issue that will surface, like a recent divorce or scandal of some sort.
Continue reading »

How to prepare for media interviews

Interviews, Media Training, Public Relations No Responses »

Apr 132011

Media interviews are an important part of any public relations campaign. They are a great way to promote a company by highlighting its products, services, and successes. Because any size company, from entrepreneur to holding group, can benefit from media interviews, being prepared will boost confidence and help your company get the most from its media experiences.

Here are a few tips on how to prepare for a media interview:

Understand the Publication

Ask your PR agency to send some information about the publication including the topics it covers, it’s target audience and circulation. Ask for sample articles that have been published for another company within the same industry. This will help you understand their style so that you can direct your tone accordingly.
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Telephone interviews – just as important as going on live TV

Interviews No Responses »

Apr 112011

Of the many types of interviews in todays rushed world, telephone interviews are becoming increasingly popular (they tend to be over much quicker than in-person interviews, and they require less down-time for traveling). However, although you may not meet the journalist in person, it remains vital that you prepare for a telephone interview just as thoroughly as you would for any other form of questioning by a reporter.
Here are some survival tips on how to get ready for a telephone interview:
Change your clothes
Believe it or not, studies have shown that people who dress professionally for a phone interview will perform better than those dressed casually.

Make sure it’s quiet
It goes without saying that you should turn off the TV, the radio and even put your mobile on silent (if you are conducting the interview from your landline – which is preferable), and make sure the kids are not running around and shouting in the room. This is no time for distractions.
Continue reading »

Is THAT what you’re wearing?

Interviews, Media Training, Press Photos, Product Launches, Public Appearances 4 Responses »

Mar 282011

In this post, our English writer Reem Heather Dabbas discusses the dos and don’ts of dressing for public appearances.

When it comes to making a television appearance, what you have to say could be a ‘bestseller’ but people will be judging the ‘book’ by its cover before they decide to read one.

It only takes a couple of seconds to make a first impression, because beauty really is ‘skin deep’ when you initially say hello. That’s why when getting ready for a TV appearance your first question should be “What will I talk about?” but the second, and crucial, question will be “What am I going to wear?” No, this isn’t vanity, this is science. Psychological studies have shown the power of persuasion when it comes to the way we dress and how it influences people’s perceptions of us. In order to be the authority on the message you are trying to deliver, people must be receptive to your message in the first place. If you look like an expert on the matter, people will listen. On the contrary, how are people going to take you seriously if they’re too focused on the busy designs or outrageous colors of your outfit?

We’ve all heard the advice to dress for the position you want, so why would it be any different for the image you want to project for your company? It’s always important to look your best, as you are actually selling your company every time you make an appearance. As a professional organization that others can rely on you need to perpetuate this image in every encounter.
Continue reading »