A media interview is an avenue for you to talk and advertise your business. However, common apprehensions might be hindering you from committing to an interview out of some ungrounded fears. There are ways to handle those fears and make your interview a success.

Fears are normal under any circumstance. The only thing you need is to find the corresponding motivation to help you get through the frightening stage so you may start to enjoy its advantages.

1. Good preparation

Even the best and the most experienced speakers need regular practice. The interview might run without any second chances, but you may have all the time to rehearse your lines. Ask help from a friend to do a mock interview armed with all the possible and perceived questions. This will help you sound spontaneous when the actual interview comes. Make sure to prepare also even the slightest detail. Consider your words carefully and phrase them in your most entertaining way.

2. Always be on track

Achieve your goals and purpose during the interview. Keep always in mind your objective. It is a lot easier to talk when you know your stand and you purpose. Therefore, when you answer questions, never forget to mention the product or service that you are trying to promote.

3. be prudent when you answer

Keep your calm demeanour and do not rush to answer when you are asked spontaneously. Whenever a journalist catches you off-guard, do not hesitate to ask for a pause to think your answers over. You have to realize that your answer will have a long term effect over your business. It is better to tell the journalist to get back to him on the particular issue rather than giving a response that you will soon regret.

4. Do not play it safe

Make a stand on critical issues. It will do you no good if you play safe all the time.  Study what the issue is all about. Learn about its details, and then make a bold statement as to where your opinions lean.

5. Make the whole thing informative and lively

Your statements during an interview must really be interesting and informative for the audience. Make your examples realistic and practical. You should talk in a way that ultimately makes a connection with someone. When your interview is lively and informative, the audience will most likely retain most of what you said.

6. Look amiable

Be confident with your stance in an interview. Make your body language sends off a message that you are in control of your circumstances. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer and keep yourself relaxed and amiable. Moreover, be cordial every time you answer a question.

7. Act with enthusiasm

If you want to come out as interesting then you need to think and act with enthusiastic energy. You have to keep in mind that media is designed for entertainment and you might as well be entertaining when you do your interview. Make your conversation lively and buoyant. If both you and the interviewer are enjoying the show, then most likely it will emanate in your respective aura that will also be perceived readily by your audience.

8. Choose your words

Talk in a way that your words are understandable by people from all walks of life. There is no point speaking in office slang when your audience cannot relate to what you are saying.

9. Be brief with your answers

Brevity works best in interviews. You need to compress your whole idea and deliver it in a few catchy words and phrases. An interview does not last long, so make all your answers brief, yet relevant.

10. Make yourself available for an up-close interview 

A one-on-one, face to face interview is way better than just speaking through today’s communications gadgets. If you are busy, then at least mark a special time in your calendar for the said interview to visit the studio.

11. Practice your voice

Your voice helps you sound more professional and create an image of authority. So take time to warm it up before the interview starts for better results.

12. Finish the interview with an impact

Have an impact during the interview, and then finish it off with a greater impact when the interview closes. Encourage people to act on your suggestions. Deliver a thoughtful call to action.