This list comes from John Hanks Communications – a PR Consultant. I thought it was a good one and decided to share it with you.
1. Always return calls
2. Use the person’s name in your interview
3. Defer to the interviewer if possible.
4. Always ask for a deadline.
5. Interview the reporter before you give an interview:
a. What will the questions be?
b. What’s your deadline?
c. Can I call you back?
6. Do your homework before the interview – not during it.
7. Decide on a specific message.
8. Make your own soundbite.
9. Practise your message… in front of a mirror if necessary.
10. Practise your message again.
11. One more time… with feeling!
12. Wear simple, professional clothes if you’ll be seen on camera.
13. Be well-groomed (translated – comb your hair)
14. Lose the glasses if you can.
15. You’re better off without facial hair.
16. Show your forehead. It helps express you better.
17. You decide the background for the interview.
18. Set it up where you are comfortable.
19. Warm up to the photographer. He/she can make you look good.
20. Watch out for pre-interview patter. It can be a landmine.
21. Watch out for post-interview patter. More landmines.
22. Never lie.
23. Never blurt out the truth.
24. Never say, “no comment.”
25. Talk through the reporter – not to her.
26. It’s the audience, stupid.
27. It’s the message, stupid.
28. You deny, you die.
29. Stay on your message during the interview.
30. Uh… keep your… uh… pauses, um, SILENT!
31. There is no such thing as “Off the record.”