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.

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