This document provides guidance for public speaking and participating in media interviews. It outlines best practices for preparation, appearance, delivery, and handling difficult questions. Suggestions are given for moderating panels, including keeping the discussion moving, acknowledging different opinions without taking sides, and announcing the Q&A portion. The document also encourages owning one's growth by starting with smaller local opportunities and working up to larger national platforms and live events, with the help of an accountability partner.

1. The New York Times
Public media training for contributors and anyone else who may be interested
March 2018

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Media Training
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The basics
Moderating panels can be fun
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Let’s try it out!
Owning your growth

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Prep work:
• Research the show/event, the host and the other guests
• Ask the producers/organizers for a pre-interview
• Map out your main messages (no more than three)
– List out an anecdote that will illustrate each message
– Provide specific numbers to support your point
wherever possible
• Figure out how you will respond to questions you don’t
want to answer
The basics

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For TV in particular:
• Having a place to clip a mic is handy (jackets or button-downs help)
• Ideally your jewelry and clothing won’t clang into the mic
• Dress in something that feels authentic to you and comfortable and
keep it simple if possible. Note that white and busy patterns
(especially plaids, stripes, etc.) can be problematic on camera. Wear
colors that complement your skin tone/hair color.
• Check for stray hairs, sweat stains, lint, food particles
• Remain still; watch that you aren’t moving your hands around if you
are seated and your hands are on camera. Also, don’t swivel in
swivel chairs.
• For TV and radio: Drink water/clear your throat BEFORE going on
the air
The basics

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Talking tips:
• Articulate your words
• Consider doing vocal warm-ups (for example: you can count
to 10 with your tongue out and then do so again normally to
emphasize annunciation)
• Don’t lean on filler words such as “so” “um” “like” or “well”
• Don’t use pronouns the audience won’t know like “we” “our”
“it” (specify yourself, The New York Times, etc.)
• Avoid generalized words like “guys” - be specific about who
you are referring to
• Practice correctly pronouncing people’s names, places, etc.
The basics

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Setting the tone:
• As you enter:
– Your energy should be poised and present
– Be kind, especially to producers helping you
• Throughout:
– Spine tall, eyes looking directly towards the interviewer.
Eye contact is important, but if it’s not possible, look at the
interviewer’s forehead or chin or the top rim of the
camera if it’s a remote interview.
– Keep your energy up without speeding up how fast you
talk
• When you leave or when it’s over, say thank you!
The basics

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Be mindful of the traps:
• Avoid exaggeration and defensiveness
• It’s O.K. to say “I don’t know” or “I am not able to discuss that
issue right now”
• Don’t be afraid to stop talking once you’ve made your points
• At times, you may want to pivot the conversation back to your
focus here, here are some helpful segues and bridges:
– “My focus area is…”
– “That’s an interesting question. But the real issue is…”
– “That’s not what I am here to debate. What I can tell you
is...”
The basics

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Media Training
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The basics.
Moderating panels can be fun
3 Owning your growth

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• You are the weather: Keep it sunny. For example: Don’t remind
anyone it’s been a long day.
• Temper the timing: Ask short and/or time-bound questions to
keep the conversation moving
• Own the awkward moments: keep a list of conversation
re-starters for when it gets quiet
• Acknowledge opinions without taking sides, and then keep it
moving
• Don’t be long-winded in your questions
• Let folks know at the beginning when they will be able to ask
questions and then let them know a few minutes before the
open Q&A is coming in advance so they can come up with some
questions
Moderating panels can be fun

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Media Training
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The basics.
Moderating panels can be fun.
3 Owning your growth

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Owning your growth
I’m not sure I like
public speaking
phase
Refining your skills
phase
Primetime
phase
Radio
Hometown radio
station
Local radio Live, national radio
Live digital
media
Facebook live on
your own account
Facebook live on
a small account
Facebook live on a
large account
Broadcast
Hometown TV
station
Local media and
international media
broadcast in specific
markets
National shows
Live events
Panels for example
with your
alma-mater
Panels and other events
within >100 attendees
Panels and keynotes
with large audiences
likely to be covered
by the press
You can do it!

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• Find a friend: keep each other accountable to each of your goals
• Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses and work to
improve/mitigate your weaknesses and to embrace your strengths
• Check in monthly
• Be each other’s go-to for dry runs
Owning your growth

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Media Training
1
2
The basics
Moderating panels can be fun
3 Owning your growth