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Institutional Research
(318) 257-2238

Lori Theis - Director
ltheis@latech.edu

Marketing and Public Relations
(318) 257-4854
mission statement

David Guerin - Director
dguerin@latech.edu

Elena Parker - Creative Services Manager
eparker@latech.edu

Donny Crowe - Photographer
dcrowe@latech.edu

Mark Coleman - Graphic Designer
mcoleman@latech.edu

Teddy Allen - Writer/Editor
teddy@latech.edu

News Bureau
(318) 257-4427
mission statement

Wiley Hilburn - University Spokesperson
hilburn@latech.edu

Sallie Hollis - Assistant Director/News Bureau
envision@latech.edu

Reginald Owens - News
regowens@latech.edu

Beth Christian - News
ebchrist@latech.edu

Judith Roberts - News
jroberts@latech.edu

Web Team
(318) 257-2238

Suchi Rodda
suchi@latech.edu

Tom Soto
tsoto@latech.edu

Interviewing Tips

Find out who will be conducting the interview and why you were selected.
Establish guidelines (i.e. length of interview, topics, photo opportunity, etc.)
Know the interview format and medium (i.e. news story, feature, TV, print...)
Do not ask for questions in advance. But, you can ask who else will be interviewed.
Be sensitive to the reporter’s deadline. Can your information be public at that time?
Do your homework. Prepare - even in your area of expertise.
Know your audience and prepare answers from their point of view.
Know your message. Decide on two or three key points you want to highlight and use them whenever possible.
Anticipate likely questions. Think through your answers in advance. Practice!
Review worst-case scenarios and appropriate responses to them.
Work with a communication / public relations person or contact the Marketing and Public Relations team.
There is no safe way to go "off the record." Do not say anything to the reporter that you do not want to see in print.

Be completely honest. Never lie or try to fool a reporter.
If you're unsure of an answer to a question, that's okay. Offer to get the information.

Keep coming back to your core message.
Answer questions to your advantage by rephrasing when possible. (I think what you're asking is...)
Answer the question and stop talking.
Avoid technical jargon. Use simple language to explain technical matter.
Don't allow your message to get lost in too much detail. State your conclusions and back them up with facts.
Don't say "no comment." Explain why you cannot answer.
Don't repeat an offensive comment or phrase. Answer with a positive statement.
Avoid personal or judgmental opinions.
Keep your cool. Don't argue.
Avoid answering hypothetical questions. Don't speculate. Rather, validate concerns and feelings.
Try to be as open as possible.

Offer to gather additional information for the reporter so you can determine his/her interests.
Remember, it is all on the record, even though the camera and/or microphone is off.
Don't ask to see a copy of the story in advance so you can correct it.
Call reporters if stories appear that are inaccurate and politely provide corrections.

Many radio interviews are taped over the phone. The interviewer's voice may seem distant due to technical reasons. Resist the impulse to speak loudly in response.
Make sure you can hear questions clearly. If you're uncomfortable with the volume, say so.
Always make sure you have noted the reporter's name correctly.
Get your point across quickly.
Use note cards so that you have facts at your fingertips.
Begin your answer only when you are sure the question has been fully asked.
Don't provide new information when asked at the end of an interview: "Do you have any additional thoughts?" If necessary, repeat your message.

You have more control over this type of interview with its direction and flow.
If appropriate, have printed materials ready for the reporter to verify facts and figures.
Do not feel compelled to continue speaking if there is a pause.

Men: Sit on the tail of your coat to keep it from wrinkling at the collar. Wear an off-white or colored dress shirt
Women: Consider wearing a conservative dress or suit. Avoid wearing a top that is all red, black or white. Avoid wearing busy necklaces or bracelets, especially earrings or large pins. Use light studio makeup or ask for makeup. Remove name tags, lapel pins and all extraneous items from your jacket pockets.

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Information compiled from a number of different tip sheets on conducting interviews with the media.

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