3 keys to anxiety management in media interviews

Anxiety management was requested. Melissa had "fluffed" a media interview. She was a natural healing therapist and advocate and had been on the media for the first time. Sadly, this one media interview had put her off such interviews for life. Anxiety management was now what she came to me for.

However, I suspected there was more than anxiety management needed. When she was talking to me it became clear, as she described how she "fluffed" her interview, that she hadn’t really known what she was doing when she was interviewed.

She'd imagined what would happen in her mind, (as many of us do), but found that the reality didn't quite measure up to her expectations.

She was also in a difficult position. She was relatively new to her position and there were other senior people who knew more about her topic than she did.

The more experienced people also knew which sensitive areas to avoid, which items not to discuss and how to gently sidestep any controversies that might be brought up by the interviewer.

Melissa didn't know all this. No wonder she thought she needed anxiety management. Had she gained more training and skills beforehand, she may well have said the right things. She didn’t.

So, I suggested two things to her. One, prepare more effectively, and two, gain more skills.

I often say that self-confidence without skills can be dangerous, and this can certainly apply to media interviews. You might just be cocky but ignorant! Instead, develop the interview skills first and then let the confidence flow from those. If you do this preparation anxiety management may not be required.

How can you prepare for a media interview? There are several steps involved. Let's just examine one of them in this blog, and come back to other ones in future blogs.

A crucial step is to prepare three key points that you want to make. Decide in advance exactly what it is that you want to say. Write out word for word what you think are the three most important points to convey to the audience and to the interviewer.

In choosing your key points, consider what is your new news. What new angle are you able to put on this story? What new information are you able to provide? What new statistics or data can you mention? The media are always on the look out for new news. So are the audience.

Also consider, out of everything that you know about this topic, what is the pivotal point. You must make a point? It is not appropriate to try and cover everything you know. Your job is to find the essence and deliver that. Cut to the core. Cut through the detail and pull out the most important point to convey.

Another consideration when choosing your key points is to decide on those which will be most interesting to the people listening, watching or reading. It's important to be interesting otherwise people may change to another channel.

Having identified your three most important points, check that they won't inadvertently lead you into areas of controversy and sensitivity that you need to avoid.

If, like Melissa, you're new to media interviews, check your key points with more senior people. Ask them if there are any dangers in covering these three key areas. Checking in advance could save you a lot of embarrassment later and leave you with no need for anxiety management.

Once you know your three key points practise saying them out aloud.

In summary, the first step in managing anxiety in media interviews is to prepare. Prepare your three key points in advance. If you've prepared your media interview adequately, you'll know exactly what to do. Once this occurs the anxiety may naturally reduce, or manage itself.

What points do you want to make in your next media interview? If you know this you may be able to kiss anxiety management goodbye!

Written by Rachel Green.  Professional Speaker | Trainer | Coach | Author.

She has appeared in the media over 150 times and loves the radio!

You need to keep on top of your anxiety when dealing with the media so check out Rachel's "Happy not hassled" CDs. They are an excellent way to relax before an interview. Click here for the full details. 

She can also speak at your conference or event on: Managing anxiety: don't panic yet!
This is an inspiring speech, hilarious, practical and relevant.

Copyright Confident Woman Australia, 2010.
NB: This article is for your information only and does not constitute individual advice. It is not provided as an alternative to obtaining individual professional advice from an appropriately qualified specialist.