The M-factor by Tom Maddocks

Author:Tom Maddocks
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781908746726
Publisher: Anoma Press

Style and tone when under pressure

If you are giving a ‘responsibility’ interview (see chapter 2 ) and there are difficult issues to deal with, try not to let the pressure inside you show on the outside. Remember, many journalists will employ the devil’s advocate approach, to put you on the spot and see if you have a convincing line of response. It doesn’t mean they will necessarily attack you in print – as long as you have given a good account of yourself. In fact I have spoken to many people who have dreaded the appearance of a certain article, because the reporter sounded so fearsome on the phone – and who have then been pleasantly surprised at the outcome. Conversely, others specialise in sounding sweet and reasonable when they talk to you, and then put the boot in, in print. Your best tactic is to be consistently pleasant. Be friendly to journalists even if they are not.

As mentioned earlier, other reporters use the tactic of silence –saying nothing at all when you have delivered your answer, perhaps in the hope you will add more to what you have already said, thereby giving more away than you meant to. You should not let yourself be pressured in this way; it is up to them to come up with further questions if they want to. Better still, after a pause for thought if need be, continue the interview by moving on yourself to one of the points you want to make.

Often we tend to ‘mirror’ the person we are with in terms of style, tone, body language and speed of speech. Be aware of this, and try to do so only if this is going to help you. For instance, if the journalist is talking very fast, it does not mean you automatically have to do the same yourself. You do not have to rush in with immediate responses to counter a negative point he or she has raised, conveying the impression you are irritated or angry. Keep calm, take a pause for breath and speak at a steady rather than a fast pace. How do you expect a journalist to accurately report you if you go so fast they cannot get your words down? Allow yourself some breathing space; this will also give you more time to think and will add more weight and authority to what you say. Instead of being reactive, put yourself back in control.

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