As we discussed in our last article, regarding fake news, we live in a time when false allegations are rampant and fabricated stories flourish. Accuracy and accountability seems to be nearly obsolete in many media sources, and combating misinformation is both more difficult and more important than at any time in the past. Fortunately, there is one traditional medium where awareness and engagement is not hidden nor hard to find: live television. Live media interviews, on TV and radio, give you the ability to address such misinformation – immediately and authoritatively – in a way that is not possible elsewhere.
These Franchetti tips will help you make corrections in a gracious and professional manner:
Be Clear
Stick to your messaging. The general rule of thumb, even for complicated topics, is to make sure that the average high school student can understand what you say. This is even more important when correcting a reporter. Above all else, do not be condescending. And don’t revert to industry lingo or scientific speak that is likely to go above the audience’s and interviewer’s heads. Don’t risk being misunderstood.
Be Candid
If a reporter says something that is incorrect, correct him or her in the same way you would answer a question: honestly and directly . Sounding evasive can equate to sounding dishonest.
Be Careful
If you offer a correction, do so with the reporter’s reputation in mind. Don’t put interviewers in a position where they feel attacked. If you attack a host, you are also attacking their viewers. If you feel the reporter is being adversarial, try to phrase the correction in a way that will end that line of questioning or conversation.
Be Personable
Remain calm and speak slowly. Smile. Relax. Face the person interviewing you. Keep your corrections conversational. Never insult the reporter, no matter what they say that needs to be corrected.
Be Prepared
Know in advance who will be conducting your interview and if there will be other guests. Discuss in advance the topics to be covered and likely questions. Practice your answers with your communications team or with your media interview coach. Understand the reason for the interview from the perspective of the television company: ratings. Understand your own reasons for the interview: education, entertainment, enlightenment of viewers, damage control, recruitment, etc. Stick to your message as closely as you can.
Be Present
Listen carefully to the reporter and any other participants. Engage them actively and intentionally. Make eye contact. Avoid going off-script and derailing a group conversation by talking off topic.
Be Professional when Correcting Someone on Live TV
Behave how you would want someone else to behave if you were the interviewer. Be willing to laugh, but answer questions directly and purposefully. Keep your voice at a moderate volume. Never raise your voice unnecessarily and never lose your temper. Dress for the purpose and setting of the interview.
There are many things you can do to create a strong presence during a media interview, even if you must correct someone during the interview. Some of these tips are unique to television, but most of them apply in nearly all interpersonal settings. Being careful, clear, concise, personal, prepared, present, and professional is an excellent foundation for any successful interview and correcting mistakes in any setting.
Franchetti Communications delivers accelerated results by designing power-packed media interview and presentation training sessions around your unique goals, in person and via teleconference. Franchetti Communications works with corporations and business leaders to develop communication strategy, messaging, and PR strategy. Follow Franchetti Communications on LinkedIn, and be sure to download our special report: 6 Ways to Guarantee Your Message Cuts Through the Clutter.