7 Tips to Help you Interview Better

As a spokesperson for an advocacy group or organisation, it will be your job to speak to the media about your cause. Here are seven tips to help you prepare for your interview and feel confident when speaking with journalists:

TIP 1: Research your interviewer and their media outlet.

Before being interviewed, do your research so you know the format, the tone, and the interviewer’s style.

TIP 2: You can ask for questions ahead of time.

Send an email or call to request more details or ask for a list of questions ahead of time. This way you will have an opportunity to prepare and you won’t get caught off guard. Most people will oblige upon request.

TIP 3: Avoid hosts that could hinder your campaign.

With plenty of media outlets to choose from, there’s no need to get insulted or made to feel uncomfortable for your cause. Pick an outlet that will give you a chance to deliver your message in a supportive environment.

TIP 4: Use accessible language.

Before being interviewed, do your research so you know the format, the tone, and the interviewer’s style.

TIP 5: Mention your campaign or organisation’s name
at least twice.

Send an email or call to request more details or ask for a list of questions ahead of time. This way you will have an opportunity to prepare and you won’t get caught off guard. Most people will oblige upon request.

TIP 6: Speak in full sentences.

It makes it way easier for media outlets to take grabs of your sentences for vox pops and short media pieces on social media.

TIP 7: Yes to farshun but check the scene.

Bold prints or clothes that blend into the background or a greenscreen can sometimes just not work on camera, we do however fully encourage feminist apparel such as earrings or a logo or statement tee!


This article is from our Y Advocacy Toolkit, a collection of practical tips and advice navigating advocacy in Australia will help you to identify policy areas of particular interest to you, and who you can talk to about creating change. Want to get more involved in advocacy but don’t know where to start? Why not join our Cyber Feminists (CBF)?

YWCA Australia wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work, live and play and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise First Nations people as the custodians of the lands, seas and skies, with more than 60,000 years of wisdom, connection and relationship in caring for Country.

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