Mastering Your Next Media Interview: 18 Tips for Success

Media interviews are a great way to share your story, build your brand, and connect with a broader audience. But let’s be honest—they can also be pretty nerve-wracking if you’re not ready. That’s why Fast Company reached out to experts, including Avenue Z’s own Jonathan Snow, to offer some advice. Whether you’re getting ready for a quick radio interview or a longer TV segment, these tips will help you feel more confident and make the most of the opportunity.

The media world can definitely feel intense, but interviews don’t have to be nerve-wracking. In Fast Company’s recent article, “18 Expert Tips for Mastering Your Next Media Interview,” Jonathan Snow and other experts shared some great advice on how to stay cool, focused, and make the most of every interview. One tip from Jonathan really stood out: interviews should be fun! Let’s dive into his approach and why it works so well.

Key Takeaway from Jonathan Snow:

Have fun – Inject energy, stay conversational, and don’t be afraid to show your personality.

Why Having Fun Makes All the Difference

Jonathan’s main advice in the Fast Company article is all about bringing energy and authenticity into every interview. It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference. When you’re genuinely having fun, your enthusiasm is infectious. Whether you’re on a podcast or in front of a TV camera, people can feel that positive energy. It’s what makes you more engaging, more memorable, and ultimately, more trustworthy.

In the dynamic media world, it’s easy to feel the pressure—wondering if you’re saying the right thing or stressing about getting every detail perfect. But Jonathan’s advice? Don’t overthink it. The key is to relax, let go of those nerves, and just be yourself. When you’re genuinely enjoying the conversation, it shows. And that’s when your audience is most likely to connect with what you’re saying.

Keep It Conversational

Jonathan emphasizes the importance of bringing your personality into the conversation. Interviews don’t have to be overly formal; they should feel engaging and natural. By showing this energy and keeping things light, you make a stronger connection with both the interviewer and audience. Jonathan’s advice is simple: have fun and stay authentic. This could mean adding a bit of humor or letting your enthusiasm shine through, as your genuine personality is what resonates with people the most.

Authenticity is Key

Another thing Jonathan highlights is how important it is to just be yourself. Authenticity isn’t only about the words you use—it’s about how you deliver them. The way you speak, your tone, and even your body language all play a role in how people perceive you. Audiences can tell when someone’s being fake, and that can make them lose trust. Jonathan’s advice? Keep it real. When you’re genuine, people are more likely to listen, believe in what you’re saying, and trust your brand.

Want to Learn More?

Snow’s advice is just a glimpse of the valuable insights shared in Fast Company’s full article. It covers 18 practical tips for mastering media interviews, including strategies like keeping your answers clear and concise, knowing when to pause, and making a real connection with your audience. These expert tips are designed to help you step into any interview with confidence and leave a lasting impression.

To dive deeper and see all 18 tips, check out the full article on Fast Company here.

,

More from Avenue Z

  • AI Tools like ChatGPT Gemini Claude Copilot Perplexity and Grok

    You Have the Tools. Now What?

    Having advanced tools like ChatGPT, HubSpot, and Shopify is only part of the equation. The brands that win are…

    Link

    3 min read

    , ,
  • A bold, stylized digital illustration of a lion’s profile in magenta and purple tones. The lion looks over a surreal landscape featuring vibrant orange desert dunes and a turquoise body of water, all under a smooth gradient sky transitioning from teal to pale green.

    AI at Cannes Lions 2025: From Hype to Hands-On

    At Cannes Lions 2025, AI proved its value as a tool for faster execution, smarter targeting, and restoring trust…

    Link

    2 min read

    , ,
  • Top of Stack: Superintelligence, Embedded Capital, and the Future of Care

    Your briefing on what’s driving AI breakthroughs, financial transformation, a reshaped healthcare landscape, and the client stories gaining ground…

    Link

    3 min read

    ,
  • Mexico City, MEXICO - Jan 28 2025 : DeepSeek, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Copilot, Claude, Grok, Gemini, Runway ML and Bing icons are displayed on an iPhone. DeepSeek AI and Major AI services concept image.

    A CSO’s Guide to Using Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity and Grok for What They Do Best

    Many professionals treat AI tools as interchangeable. Strategic leaders know better. This guide breaks down how to use Claude,…

    Link

    5 min read

    ,

Recommended reads

Connect With Us

Stay in touch. Discuss your needs with us and see how we can help.