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Speaking to the Media
Often the media wish to conduct interviews with youth about their events. Interviews can be done in person, in a television or radio studio, over the telephone or online via email or live Internet broadcasts. They can be conducted live, or can be pre-recorded and later edited.
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Senegalese landmines survivor and activist Sarany Diatta, War Affected Children’s conference, Accra, Ghana, 2000. Photo YMAAP.
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When you send out a press release or advisory, have a list of people available to give interviews about the event. Make sure you have all their contact details so you can contact them anywhere, anytime. Reporters are often on very short timelines. Make sure to get back to them as quickly as possible so they can make their story deadline.
Journalists often request interviews and may even want you to conduct an interview on the spot! If you feel uncomfortable with the interview topic, the short notice or anything else, do not agree to give the interview.
You are under no obligation to give an interview just because it is requested. Try to find another youth to do the interview or refer the reporter to a local mine action organization if you are uncomfortable speaking about the subject matter.
Preparing for interviews
- Interview preparation is very important. When a reporter asks for an interview try to get some information from them that will help you get ready:
- What publication the interview is for? Get the interviewer’s name, telephone and fax numbers and email.
- Ask how the interview will be conducted (i.e. phone, in person) and whether or not it is live or will be edited.
- Find out the exact topic of the interview.
- Ask if you can receive the interview questions in advance – often you can.
- Find out when and where the interview will be released and always make sure to ask in advance if you can get a copy of the final story.
If you have time before the interview, it may be useful to review some general information about the landmines issue and look over specific details about the interview topic. Think about how you will answer the interview questions and write down some ideas. Ask your peers, family, teacher or another adult leader to look at the answers and offer suggestions. Have your friends and family ask you the interview questions. Request that they ask you some additional questions to see if you are able to answer them spontaneously. Practice answering the interview questions in front of a mirror. Make sure you are speaking slowly and clearly. Refer to the So you want to do a landmines presentation? booklet for more public speaking tips.
Interview Tips:
- Speak slowly and clearly.
- Speak in short, simple phrases, pausing between sentences. This allows journalists to edit what you say into small portions that are easy to use on television and radio.
- If you are doing a live interview, remember that everything you are saying is being broadcast.
- Use real life examples to bring the subject matter to life.
- If you don’t know the answer to a question then say so.
- Only say things you are willing to be quoted on.
- Avoid using “no comment.”
- Try not to fidget and move nervously.
- Make eye contact with the interviewer.
- Don’t speak too close to the microphone.
Press Kits
Press kits are packages of documents that provide reporters with background information to assist them in writing articles. Hand out press kits to interested reporters as you develop relationships with them, to media present at events and to reporters before an interview.
Press kits are generally packaged in a folder or envelope and include:
- A fact sheet about landmines generally, landmines in your country or another focus area.
- Information about any organization you are affiliated with.
- Press releases or advisories.
- Any photos or other visual materials for journalists to use. Only send copies that you do not expect will be returned after the journalist is finished with them.
- Other relevant information you think is important for reporters to have.
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