10 Tips for Working with the News Media for Students, Faculty, and Staff 

Remember, talking with the media is an opportunity, not a challenge. If you aren't comfortable or have questions prior to an interview, please contact Sarah Oslund, Director of Communications and Public Relations.

1. Be prepared. Do your homework. If you're not ready, don't do the interview.

2. Stay cool, stay positive. If you're upset, take time to calm down; don't let a reporter get under your skin. Most importantly, remember to breath and everything will be fine!

3. It's a sound bite world. Particularly for broadcast media, say it briefly and with animation.

4. Tell the truth. It's a matter of credibility. Don't lie. Don't volunteer unpleasant news, but when asked directly, tell the truth.

5. Don't speculate. If you don't know the answer, it's OK to say so. But don't guess. You can offer to find out the information and get back to the reporter in a specified time.

6. Answer in the positive. Say what you are doing, not what you aren't doing. This is also a great chance to promote positive things the University is doing on a given topic.

7. Stop. When you've said what you want to say, stop talking. Don't let the reporter's silence make you uncomfortable and force you into filling the void. It's the oldest trick in the book. Wait it out.

8. Answer the question you want to answer. If there's something you want to say, but you don't quite get the right question that leads you there, say what you want to say, even if it doesn't exactly answer the question asked. In fact, at the end of most interviews a reporter will ask, "Is there anything else you want to say?" Instead of saying, "No, that's about it," this is a great chance to reiterate the key message you want to make sure is heard. Many times a reporter will remember the last thing in the interview, and if what you say sticks out you will stand out!

9. Interruptions. Be polite, but if the reporter interrupts, ask to be able to finish your answer, then do so.

10. Don't go “off the record.” Never, never, never. There is never a guarantee that something will remain “off the record.” Don’t risk it.