3 Tips from a Media Trainer to Ensure Your Interview Doesn't Go Sideways

Every single interview has a chance of going sideways. Every. Single. One.

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It doesn’t matter how much you rehearse your talking points or how deep your expertise runs — interviews are unpredictable. But preparing for what can go wrong can make all the difference.

Here are three common pitfalls that can derail an interview – and media training pro tips to keep that from happening.

1. You Talk About Yourself Too Much

It might sound counterintuitive. After all, the point of an interview is to let people know about you, right?

Not quite.

The best interviews aren’t about you. They’re about what the audience can learn from you. Viewers, listeners, and readers want insights, advice, and takeaways they can apply to their own lives.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for self-promotion. It just has to feel natural and relevant. Media training can help you organically weave your key messages into a conversation.

This strategy helps you not only deliver for your audience, but also for the reporter.

Their job is to educate and inform their audience, and your ability to provide clear, concise, and insightful commentary makes their story stronger. This is your opportunity to build media relationships that lead to more interview opportunities, better placements, and ongoing credibility.

Pro tip: Before your interview, list the questions you’re likely to be asked and think about what you want the audience to know about your brand or expertise. Then, practice bridging from their questions to your talking points in a way that adds value for the audience.

2. You Try to Fill Dead Air

You answer a question. And then…silence.

It’s one of the most uncomfortable moments in an interview, and the voice inside your head might be saying, “go on, keep talking, they need more from you.”

Do. Not. Do. It.

Filling dead air often leads to rambling, going off-topic, or saying something you didn’t plan to share, especially if the interview touches on sensitive subjects.

Remember: Silence isn’t your enemy. It could be the reporter thinking or taking notes. It could also be the reporter hoping to capture a “golden nugget” of a soundbite that could land you in the hot seat and ruin your entire interview.

Pro tip: When you’ve answered clearly and completely, stop talking. Maintain eye contact and let the reporter take the lead. Your silence signals confidence and control.

3. You Confuse the Audience with Jargon

If your audience isn’t in your industry, then they don’t speak your industry’s language. Using insider terms can alienate the very people you’re trying to reach.

For example, if you’re a fertility expert, “egg freezing” will resonate more than “oocyte cryopreservation.” Speak in plain, relatable terms. Remember, the goal is education.

Pro tip: When technical terms are unavoidable, define them briefly and clearly. Doing so keeps your message accessible and positions you as knowledgeable and relatable.

Ready to Master the Media?

Every interview is an opportunity - if you know how to navigate it. With the right preparation and strategy, you can stay in control, deliver your key messages with confidence, and turn media moments into meaningful brand impact.

To learn more or schedule a customized media training, email mia@creopr.com.