Vicki is five feet tall. I am 5’ 5”. We were playing beach volleyball against two much taller opponents. One is 5’ 9” and the other is 6 feet tall. None of us had ever played together. We were playing in a 2s blind draw tournament.
The tall girls got off to a fast start. The taller of the two had a killer jump serve. Both were digging the ball well. And they seemed to get along famously– complimenting each other after every point.
“Wow, you’re even better than you said.”
“Well, I like to under promise and over deliver.”
“This game will be over quickly!”
In contrast, Vicki and I didn’t say much. We are both mentally tough players and we silently agreed to weather the storm. It also helped that I had seen the shorter girl play earlier in the day and I knew she was mentally weak. At the first sign of trouble, she folds. I told Vicki I was certain that she would provide us with an opening.
Success
Vicki and I finally got into a rhythm. We were moving well and communicating well. I ran down a lot of balls. She got on a roll—spot serving the weak girl. And as I predicted—she imploded and we won!
Research
We beat that team, in large part, because I had scouted my opponent. Typically before I play any team—I do my homework regarding the players. Where do they serve or hit? Do they move well? How’s their defense?
I tell my clients to do the same thing before they agree to be interviewed. Make sure that you or your PR professional does a google search of that reporter or writer. Find out if she has an axe to grind. What, if any, political leanings does he have? Is her reporting fair and balanced?
Once you have done your research– aka scouted your opponent– then and only then, should you make a decision about doing that interview.
If your opponent (interviewer) is reputable and plays by the rules—or is transparent about his rule breaking—then I’d say do the interview.
Note: Don’t turn down an opportunity just because you think the interviewer is tough or the questions may be challenging. If you’ve been media trained–and this interview would be a good way to get out your message– give serious consideration to doing it. You don’t have to be perfect. After all, most people don’t play this game every day and the players change all of the time. Rather, you only need to be able to answer yes to the following questions for your interview to have been a success.
Did you deliver your messages? Handle tricky questions well? Speak clearly and concisely? Yes! Then you won. And your victory is all the more satisfying because you battled a tough opponent.
Postscript
If the battle was particularly bloody i.e. the reporter put you through the wringer, try to resist saying something sarcastic to him after the interview. Even if the cameras aren’t rolling, he will likely still include your comment in his story.
Full disclosure: When my game was over, I might have said to my overly smug opponents, “Nice game. Way to over promise and under deliver.” (Do as I say, not as I do!)
More Information
If you would like more tips, check out our other media training blogs.
And if you’re interested in learning more about our executive media training offerings, please contact us. We would be delighted to customize a program that fits your exact needs.
Chicago-Based, National and Online Options
While we are based in Chicago, we often travel to both coasts to work with executives. We also offer online coaching for those who prefer to work with us remotely.
