How to Get Quoted: 10 Strategies for Your Next Media Interview

Have you been misquoted? Not quoted? Taken out of context? Or frustrated because a reporter didn’t do his or her research before speaking with you? The nature of media interviews is changing, and PR strategies must change with it.

This environment has created the opportunity for company-generated content, and it’s reduced the time reporters have for research and interviews. However, with some thoughtful preparation, you can get quoted as you intend. Here’s how:

1. Be prepared to start from zero. Given the hectic pace of the news business, be prepared for a reporter to begin with, “What do you have for me?” You’ll be lucky if he or she has done any advance research. This is an opportunity for you to shape the discussion. Being a kind, knowledgeable and helpful source is the best way to build a relationship with a reporter.
2. Know what the reporter covers. Look at the most recent stories the reporter has written and make sure your comments are relevant.
3. Know what’s happening in the news. If you’re in the wearables market and Facebook acquires Oculus for $2 billion, you’re going to get asked about it if you happen to have a press call that day. If you prepare a comment in advance, you could get quoted in two stories: one on the breaking news item and one on the original topic of your call.
4. Anticipate the questions. Write down the five most likely questions you think the reporter will ask. Then write down the two questions you hope she or he will not ask.
5. Write your answers. Write two- to three-sentence answers to each question. Then wordsmith them until you have crisp sound bites. Print them out and refer to them before answering any question. Spend the most time on this tip!
6. Practice. Speak your answers out loud. Do they sound like you? Do they trip you up? If so, rework them so they feel natural. Then practice again.
7. Use pauses and silence well. Don't fill the space after you’ve answered a question. Mindless chitchat is how misquotes happen, and often how major scoops happen. Answer the reporter’s question, let him or her take notes and ask you another question.
8. Be yourself. Reporters are people too. Make a connection and build a relationship. This mean you have to be your natural self.
9. Clarify. If you think the reporter misunderstood your answer, ask. Then clarify.
10. Follow up. Send the materials you promised to supply. This gives you an opportunity to clarify any points of concern. Send a crisp note with the materials and your clarifications, which makes it easy for the reporter to cut and paste the quote you provided.

Much like public speaking, the only way to get good at media interviews is by practicing. If you’ve never done one before, consider some media training in advance.