Scared Stiff Tips for Talking to the Press

How to Survive The Press Interview

When we get interviewed about our art or a special art event that we are involved in, keep these tips in mind. It's often easy to be misunderstood, misquoted, and say the wrong thing. Reporters expect you to be nervous, so double up on the deodorant and wipe those sweaty palms!

1. Be prepared.
Send out a press release! Local and small newspapers sometimes don't require this, but if you get BIG press, a press release is a must. ( don't know how? More in a later post!) What is your message? If you don't know , the reporter will give his/her own spin to your message. and they could screw it up royally!! What is the 'slant' or hook? In other words, what about you/your art or this event makes it worthy of being in the news? Some examples are: a new painting method, charity involved, a special exhibition about ( children, nature,environment, local event, twist on an old theme, your life changing trip or experience, your new found reason to paint etc.), exhibition in a special place, special time of year, to celebrate..... You get the idea.

2. Bring Resources
Bring your business cards or other marketing materials that were not included in the press release. Do you have a hand out ready? an invitation? It's always wise to have the important info in writing.

3. Dress for the occasion.
Is you art costume on? If you market your artwork in a Safari suit, make sure you have one on for the reporter and hopefully the photographer! If you show up in old jeans, is this how you portray yourself as a professional artist? Yes, I know, some do and are successful, but some just look sloppy. Most papers like color in their photos so dress accordingly. Artists Black can be boring.

5. Come alone
Do not bring a cheering section to your interview...they might be more interesting to the reporter than you! Remember your pets, children and best friends stay home.You should be confident enough in your message/presentation to do it alone! If it is unavoidable, ask your crowd to please wait outside, go for coffee, or keep quiet. The last thing you want is one of them interrupting and contradicting you! I've seen it happen!!

6. Get it straight
If there is a group to be interviewed, get your message straight and know what to emphasise! One message is heard, to many messages and the article may be put to the back burner because it is to confusing to write! Again, do not contradict each other, allot of reporters like to give opposing views and it can come off as amateur. You want to be known for your art, not your non artistic differences.

7. Stay on topic
Remember that the reporter has limited time to spend on this story, so don't get into unrelated personal stories...my pets, my illnesses, my favorite weather story, my favorite joke. They will listen, but may never come back! Keep the juicy stuff for your friends. Say things that are interesting, not outrageous! Be careful of being TOO CANDID!

8. Thank you
You are building a relationship with this individual....they need to feel free to call you if they need a story PDQ. You want to be the expert they rely on. Send them a nice note to thank them for their time. If the reporter has done a great job, write or phone the editor. A pat on the back is always nice!

9. Misquotes and errors
Do you correct them if they misquote you or get you in trouble otherwise?An email clarification ( and copies to those who may be offended) would certainly be appropriate, as long as the tone was not angry or accusing, sort of FYI. A phone call is even better. If it is a BIG mistake talk to the reporter first, then the editor. Sometimes these things can be corrected very easily.