Tips for talking with reporters

If you are successful in creating relationships with the media and become a "source" on your issue, you will get calls for interviews.

• Call them back promptly. Ask when their deadline is. 
• It is best if you already know what kind of story the reporter tends to do, what kind of questions they ask. If you have time, look up some of their work. 
• Prepare as much as you can. If you know what they are calling about, get some background information. I recently got a call on a new program for the uninsured in New Haven. Before I called back, I had looked up the number of uninsured in CT and similar successful programs in other states. 
• Be helpful. Ask what kind of story they are doing, how much information they need, if they would like to speak to a person directly affected by the story (unless that is you). 
• If you are setting up another interview, e.g. with another consumer or a provider, get all the details straight. When will they call or visit? Do they need a translator available? You can role-play with the consumer first, if that will make them more comfortable. Be sure any confidentiality issues are settled before the call or visit. 
• Relax. If you are nervous or this is your first time talking to a reporter, it is OK to say so (off camera or off the air). A good reporter wants to get it right, not to embarrass you. 
• Listen carefully to the question. Take a few seconds to frame your answer. 
• Speak slowly and avoid jargon. Speak with confidence and enthusiasm. 
• Smile when you speak. Even if they can't see you, it comes through. 
• Don't be thrown off but you may hear them typing while you talk. There may also be pauses after you answer a question - it doesn't necessarily mean they are looking for more, they may just still be writing what you said. 
• Be brief. Keep to major points and broader issues. Don't spend ten seconds on the point and two minutes on the exceptions. 
• If you don't know an answer, say so. Ask if they would like you to look into it and get back to them. Ask how much time you have. 
• If it seems that you have been misunderstood, fix it immediately. Be gentle, but fix it. 
• Be clear about your position and/or that of the organization you represent. Provide materials if possible. 
• Nothing is ever off the record. Assume that anything you say or give them could end up in the story. Be careful making jokes. 
• If you are quoted in an article, clip and save it. 
• If you aren't quoted, don't take it personally. If you were helpful, they may call again.

For television and radio appearances:

• Learn as much as you can about the show - Will it be live or taped? Will there be call-in questions? Will there be an audience? Will there be other guests, if so who? How long is the show, and how long will you be on? 
• Check the style of the show beforehand. Is it confrontational or conversational? Are personal stories or statistics more common? Is there a specific audience or issue targeted? 
• Dress conservatively for television. Avoid bright white, loud colors or oversize prints. Avoid flashy jewelry. Consider a place for a microphone to be clipped, e.g. jacket lapel. 
• Be on time. 
• Get a tape if you can. Other outlets may replay it.

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