I've done numerous interviews for radio, magazine, websites, newspapers and behind the camera, and when I first started, I would be quite nervous. I once thought that you had to act and sound a particular way when doing interviews - that you had to always have the "perfect" answers. I'd be mad at myself at the end of some because I'd think maybe I said too much or too little, or didn't say what the interviewer or target audience wanted to hear. Thankfully, I have yet to do a live TV or radio interview, so until I became comfortable, my "ums" would be edited out before the finished product was aired. Recorded vs. on-air interviews are just as different as plays and movies. Recorded interviews are undeniably easier, because any "mistake" in wording or implications of nervousness can be taken out, or you can re-do certain segments. You don't get that luxury on-air, really; what you say in the moment is what the audience hears. I have no doubt that when I do an on-air interview, I will have to really be conscious of my body language and wording. But no matter how hard you might be able to "practice your lines", you're always going to make a little, subtle mistake, and that's okay.
Depending on the topic of the interview, I sometimes still have anxieties about it, especially if there's a lot of people wanting me to do things for them. In the week of April 8th this year, I did several interviews, and it is quite easy to get overwhelmed by it sometimes, even if you're used to it. Most of the time after a large formal public speaking event, there will be reports and they'll want your picture and "a few words", and in November at my last event, I juggled 5 reporters at once while greeting audience members in between, and then a few minutes later was doing a interview for News Channel 3 which required most of my attention. Though I was grateful for the opportunities presented to me, I had to return to school after all of it, and needless to say, I was quite lightheaded at the end of the day! So, if you are wanting to become a public speaker, be prepared for lots of questions and having to shift quite quickly from one person to the next whether it be a reporter or grateful audience member.
MY TIPS FOR DOING ADVOCACY INTERVIEWS & WHY:
1.) Be Prepared: know as much as you can about what's going to happen before, during and after a formal speech. Be prepared with formal attire and makeup if desired, in case you are on TV. For me and because of what I do, it's important that I know how much time is allotted to me at an interview or speaking engagement, and that I know general info about the audience I will talking to, either indirectly or directly. Some things I consider include: majority age, why they're interested and how many I will reach with my speech or interview.
2.) Ask for guard: because I wasn't fully prepared for the number of reporters or audience members in November, I was boxed in by them after the speech ended. Next time if I know ahead that it's going to be so crowded and that so many might desire my attention, I will greatly consider asking someone to ensure that I have ample space around me, or even someone there to form a line so that it's not as overwhelming. It doesn't need to be a professional bodyguard unless you're talking to "the masses". It could just be the event coordinator, a parent/guardian or friend. Make sure however that if you feel a guard is needed that it is an adult capable of holding someone back or getting you out of harms way in the event of an emergency situation.
3.) Decline To Answer If Needed: it's okay, in fact I suggest, that you decline to answer any questions presented that you deem too personal or irrelevant. Not everyone needs to know everything that is on your mind or heart - something's are meant to stay private within your own boundaries. You at all times have the freedom to only have those you choose, know a particular thing about you.
4.) Stay Discrete/Private: Remember that by giving away info to anyone, you are allowing them to or even taking the risk that they will repeat that information, so make sure what you say, you are comfortable with the entire public knowing, and for it to show up in any way, shape or form, in the future. It is also perfectly okay to ask that when you arrive, your picture/speech is not taken or recorded in any visual way, but that you consent to print / audio interviews, only. But be sure to tell the event coordinators well ahead of time, so they can make sure your privacy is fully respected.
5.) Know The Interviewer: it is vital that you know who is interviewing you and why, and it's okay to ask for proof if it makes you feel more comfortable.
7.) Politely Ask For "Individual Time": to keep everyone from rushing at you at once, politely tell people that you're speaking with people one-on-one, so as to be fully engaged in what someone's talking to you about
8.) Leave Time For Questions: If you can and your event host/coordinator allows, leave 10-15 minutes to answer any questions your audience may have, before you leave the stage, that way any reporters present can ask questions, too.
9.) Be You: don't try to act or sound a certain way because you think it's how to professionally answer an interviewer's questions. Be yourself, be authentic and humble.
10.) Ask For Pre-Written Questions: if you know you have an interview coming up, ask for a pre-written list of questions if at all possible. That way you will have time to think about your answers ahead of time. If you are doing an interview for someone online, ALWAYS only accept to answer interview questions that are pre-written and NEVER disclose info YOU think is too personal, private or suspicious.
11.) Use Internet Safety: If you are doing an interview for someone online, ALWAYS tell them ahead that you will decline to answer any questions. Inform them that you wish to keep some answers/reasons private. NEVER plan to meet someone you don't know, and ALWAYS report them to the appropriate authorities if you at all, feel uncomfortable. NEVER give away personal info via live-chat with anyone you DO NOT know personally in a private message.
12.) Have Fun!: enjoy the opportunity or chances presented to you to talk about your passions, experiences or affiliation. Be genuinely excited about what you're saying, because keep in mind that in a way, you are advertising something, whether it's your services, a particular cause or a business.