Lead the interview: Don't miss the opportunity

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One big thing often missed in planning for an interview and why it’s important to train for it

What do you do when a reporter has broad questions (not specific ones) or doesn’t really know the topic? How do you make the most of the situation?


This is more common than you would expect. Journalists today are juggling multiple responsibilities, stories, and technologies, and the number of traditional “beat” reporters who really know their files has been shrinking for years. Some of them simply don’t have time to do the research you’d expect before the interview.


I often find clients spend so much time preparing for hard questions and curve balls, that when a soft ball or open question is thrown their way, the interviewee becomes stumped because there’s nothing to directly respond to.


This is why it’s so important in media training to work with the client on techniques for leading the interview. It’s a peer-to-peer conversation, and you’re there to answer questions, but it’s also important to learn how to lead the conversation in the direction you want it to go and make sure your key message gets delivered – whether the journalist asks about it or not. It’s a skill that takes confidence and practice!

 

Three red flags you're not ready for that news interview or big presentation

By Michael Melling • July 6, 2026
Common issues ahead of important communication opportunities:  1. You don’t have a clear key message If someone asks you: “What’s the one thing you want listeners to remember?” and you can’t answer in 15-30 seconds, you’re not ready. 2. You’ve memorized talking points, but can’t explain them naturally If you’re focused on memorizing scripts and key phrases, you’re more likely to struggle if you forget or get taken off track. You need the confidence to trust yourself in the conversation. 3. You don’t have a strategy for responding to tough questions If you’re planning to wing it, that’s a problem. You need to anticipate the tough questions and practice bridging to your key message – naturally and authentically. Strategy and structure are key building blocks of confidence going into any important communication opportunity. You must know the point you want to get across, know how to keep on track, and have the confidence to respond authentically in the moment.
Preparing for an interview | Michael Melling

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By Michael Melling • June 29, 2026
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Three signs it's time to bring in an outside media & key message trainer

By Michael Melling • June 22, 2026
Signs you should be investing in training and coaching before there’s a problem:  1. Your leaders are becoming more visible If leaders are starting to do more interviews, podcasts, team town halls, or conference appearances, the stakes increase. A media trainer can help them communicate clearly, stay on message, and handle difficult questions effectively. 2. You're entering a high-stakes moment Product launches, mergers, major announcements, regulatory scrutiny, crises, layoffs, or rapid growth often attract media and internal attention. It's easier to prepare before the spotlight arrives than to learn under pressure. 3. Interviews and communication opportunities aren't producing the results you want If leaders ramble, get quoted out of context, struggle with tough questions, or fail to communicate key messages, outside coaching can identify blind spots and support leaders in becoming better communicators. In hiring a media and key message trainer, many organizations wait until there's a problem. The strongest communicators often receive training before they need it, so they're prepared when a major opportunity—or challenge—appears. Communication training is leadership training.