How To Avoid Being Misquoted By The Media
In this video media training tip, I’ll offer a very simple technique to help you avoid being the victim of a media misquote.
Remember these three words: Click, clack, repeat.
You can see some of our other video media training tips here.
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Hi Brad!
Again, another great tip from you.
In my media training I have often told folks that they should also speak AND listen, not only to the questions being asked but to the reaction you’re getting to the question. Is the reporter furiously typing on the other end of the phone? Are they trying to keep pace with you during a news conference? If so then slow down your pace and repeat for emphasis (especially if the information you’re providing is critical). While much of this theory applies to print journalists it can also apply to broadcast and online reporters as well because it allows you to pinpoint for them the important information you want to convey.
I will continue to emphasize this tip in my sessions. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Tony,
Thank you very much for your comment and kind words about the video tip. And great point regarding its application to broadcast interviews as well! You’re right that adopting a slower and more deliberate pace right before making a critical point will help your key message stand out.
I appreciate your comment. Thank you.
Best,
Brad
Great tip, Brad! I’ve noticed the click, clack numerous times during interviews and often begin to slow the pace just to be sure they can keep up. I also pause longer than normal in between sentences. If they’re still click, clacking away, sometimes I’ll just ask if they need more time or if I should continue. Since I was the slowest writer/typist on earth in my reporting days, the reaction is probably instinctual. What I haven’t been doing, however, is advising those I line up for interviews to do the same. I’ll certainly start doing that now. Thanks for helping me realize that!
Jim,
Thanks for your comment and for adding an important piece: that it’s a good practice to ask reporters whether you should slow down or continue. If I do a “part two” video on a similar theme, I’ll be sure to include that good advice.
Hope all is well. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video.
Best,
Brad
One last thing you can do to ensure the fidelity of the transcript: say “Please read that back to me.”
Hi Brad,
A great tip.
I have found these days more and more Journalists who conduct phone interviews are recording them on voice recorders. To ensure there is complete transparency and to keep within my country’s federal laws, I ask the Journalist if they are recording. I then ask do they mind if I record for my records.
This recording has now put both the Journalist and yourself on the path to a complete record of what was said. Nothing can be mistaken.
Also, if the Journalist skews their article/story you have a complete record to seek correction if required. The recording is also great for your bosses as it protects you and what you said versus what the Journalist thought you said and reported.
I also encourage all interviewees to bring a voice recorder to Media interviews and openly place it on the table next to the Journalist’s so there is no mistake you are also recording the event for truthfullness.
This way yuou can send a copy of the interview to your bosses before the story is aired or published.