10 Tips on Speaking with the Media ​​

  • Reach Out for Assistance: Contact the Public Relations office to help guide and prepare you for the media opportunity.
  • Respond Quickly: Journalists work under tight deadlines, so the earlier you respond the more likely you are to be included in the story.
  • Prepare: Prior to the interview, identify 3–4 points you want to convey and practice delivering them.
  • Listen: Make sure you understand the question. Ask for clarification if necessary.
  • Get to the Point: Capture your message in one or two clear and concise sentences.
  • Keep It Simple: Speak in lay terms. Avoid jargon.
  • Express Yourself: Use colorful anecdotes, examples, and analogies to illustrate your points.
  • Cite Facts: Facts and figures will clarify your points and add authority to the interview.
  • Relax—to a Point: Keep it conversational but speak with confidence. Never go off the record—everything you say could be used in the interview.
  • Correct Mistakes: If you misspeak, simply say so and correct your response. If the interviewer presents incorrect information, mention the error and provide the correct data.

Contact the PR team at 617-353-2240 or pr@bu.edu.

 

Media Interview