Participating in an interview for a print article – a Few Hints and Tips
Prepare Thoroughly
Understand the Context
Find out what the article is about, the angle the writer is taking, and who will be reading it. Will the readers be end users, systems integrators, or IT leaders? This helps you tailor your answers and strike the right tone.
Know the Format
Ask how the interview will happen (phone, video call, email, in-person), how long it’ll take, and when the article is expected to be published.
Review Questions if Provided
If the journalist shares questions ahead of time, take the time to read them closely and jot down a few notes for each.
Prepare Key Messages
Decide on 2–3 main points you want to get across during the interview. Keep them short, clear, and easy to repeat. Journalists in security/IT publications often want clear stances on hot topics (data privacy, compliance with NIST/ISO standards, AI bias). Prepare notes on key speaking points that position you as credible and solutions-oriented.
Anticipate Questions
If you didn’t get questions in advance, think about what you might be asked and prepare some thoughtful responses.
If You’re Doing a Written Interview (by Email)
Take Your Time
Unlike live interviews, written ones give you time to think. Use it to craft clear, complete responses.
Answer in Full but Stay Concise
Avoid one-word or overly brief answers—but don’t ramble either. Aim for 2–4 sentences per question, unless more detail is clearly needed.
Use Plain, Direct Language
Write how you would speak in a professional conversation. Avoid jargon and long-winded phrasing.
Make it Easy to Quote
Journalists will often lift direct quotes from your answers, so include clear, quotable lines that capture your main points.
Stick to the Questions
Stay on topic with each answer. If you want to introduce a related point, connect it back to the question.
Review Before Sending
Proofread your answers for clarity, grammar, and tone. Double-check names, facts, and dates. Make sure you run your answers past the PR team.
During a Live Interview
Speak Clearly and Stay Focused
Keep your answers direct but complete. Avoid technical jargon unless it’s appropriate for the audience. If the topic gets complex, check in to make sure the journalist is following—and offer examples to explain.
Be Quotable
Try to express your main ideas in short, memorable phrases. These make for great direct quotes and are more likely to be included in the article. Use strong but plain language: “Cloud isn’t an all-or-nothing decision: it’s about keeping control while gaining flexibility.”
Stick to Your Message
If the conversation drifts, gently steer it back to the key messages you want to get across.
Bring Your Points to Life
Use a short story, stat, or example to make your point clearer and more engaging.
Assume It’s all on the Record
Unless you’ve said otherwise beforehand, everything you say could end up in print. If something’s off the record, make that clear before you say it.
After the Interview
Offer Helpful Extras
If you’ve got links, stats, or documents that could help round out the article, send them over. Share links to industry reports (Omdia, Gartner, Novaira) or regulatory references that journalists covering the security sector value.
Clarify Your Quotes (if allowed)
You can politely ask to review your direct quotes before publication. Not all journalists will say yes, but it’s okay to ask.
Follow Up
Thank the journalist for the opportunity and let them know you’re available for any follow-up questions.
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