What to consider when connecting faculty with members of the media

When working with faculty and staff, you’ll often connect subject matter experts with members of the media to inform their stories. Consider the following tips when confirming an interview with your faculty or staff member.

• What is the outlet’s format?
  • If you’re speaking to television or radio, try to keep your soundbites short, succinct, and in layman’s terms because quotes are typically 7-12 seconds.
  • When speaking with print outlets, feel free to add more context, but be sure to keep answers on topic.
• Avoid on the spot interviews. When possible, take a moment to develop key messages—they should be true, brief, and easy to understand. Focus on making clear points that are supported with proof and try to personalize your delivery.
• Preparing for interviews: Considering these five questions will help guide your interview approach and help you decide what main points you want to be sure to share with the reporter.
  • What do I want to be asked?
  • What should people remember?
  • What do I want the story to say?
  • What tough questions are there?
  • Why should anyone care?

Remember the University Relations PR team (unews@umn.edu) is here to be your partner in media relations. A critical part of the team’s role is media training, briefing, and staffing for our partners, faculty, staff, and students.