3 rules for media interviews

I started my working life as a journalist and eventually became director of communications for the media publishing company. Soon, its presses started breaking down, and then it became involved in a strike.

If there was a degree in “Media Trouble-R-Us,” I had earned it.

As a result, I developed three rules for media interviews:

1. In media interviews, always have three key messages.

The biggest error most communicators make when facing the media is they go into full-on defensive mode.

Instead of vowing to “survive” the interview with a minimum of damage, convince yourself it’s your job is to convey your own three messages.

(Once you accomplish this, congratulate yourself on your success.)

The best defense is always a good offense.

So, why only three messages?

The same reason there are three little pigs, three stooges, and three musketeers. And the same reason I have three rules for media interviews.

People remember things more easily in groups of three.