Susan Harrow

Whoops! How to Handle a Tough Media Interview

1. When asked an ... or ... ... the question by ... with, *What I ... Then focus ... on a broader social issue orexpand it to ... what many

1. When asked an embarrassing or inappropriate question.

Reframe the question by beginning with, *What I feltwas....* Then focus attention on a broader social issue orexpand it to encompass what many people might feel. Aninterviewer asked one of my clients who had been raped: *Didyou feel dirty, unlovable, ashamed?* Instead of answering,*Yes,* she might have responded, *Many women whether they'vebeen raped or not, have been made to feel that way abouttheir bodies or sexuality at some point in their lives.That's why I've chosen to speak out on this sensitive issuenow. To give a voice to all of us, even those who have novoice.*

2. When asked a question that is too personal.

Use humor to lighten the atmosphere. Or change the nature ofthe question gracefully by saying, *What I'd really like tosay is....* Or, *The question I'd really like to answeris....* Or, *In my book I say....* Or, *I'd like to keepthat part of my life private, but I would like to sharethis....* Then offer something else delicious and intimate.

3. When an interview is lagging.

Ask to read a passage from your book or describe yourservice with a tightly condensed and powerful phrase. Youwill have already chosen in advance a paragraph or two thatis particularly exemplary. Don't feel shy about offering.Most interviewers are so busy they may not have had a chanceto review or even peruse your book or the information you'veprovided. You are the person most familiar with your book,personality or business and the best parts of it! When shewas being interviewed for her book, *Some of Me,* IsabellaRosellini delighted her audience by picking an imaginativeand lively section which she read with feeling.

4. When you're pressed on a sensitive point.

When Terry Gross pressed Chuck D, leader of the rap groupPublic Enemy, about one of the members of his group makinganti-Semitic remarks, he answered vaguely a number of timesand then said bluntly, *Let's move on,* which made himappear rude. Instead, he might have said, *I've really saidall I can say about this. Can we go on to the nextquestion?* Or, *I've really answered this to the best of myknowledge at this time with the information I haveavailable.*

Another way to handle persistent questions on a topic youwish to avoid is to give a series of very short responses,or answer them with information that is so charming orcaptivating the interviewer won't notice you've deviatedfrom his/her request. The interviewer will then feel as ifhis/her questions have been answered satisfactorily withoutbeing embarrassed by not being able to elicit a directresponse from you.

5. When you haven't been asked something you want to cover.

Offer to share something the interviewer hasn't thought of.Most often he/ she will greatly appreciate yourthoughtfulness. Use a teaser tidbit. *I could tell youabout...if you'd like.* It may surprise you but peoplerarely remember the questions an interviewer poses. Whatthey remember are your answers. And when they no longerremember your answers they remember the feeling theyreceived when hearing you speak.

Learn how to handle the 4 most difficult types ofinterviewers in *Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul*(HarperCollins). Need to prepare for a meeting, promotion,presentation, job or media interview?

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