As sports coverage evolves and media outlets multiply, teenagers are hit with multiple interview request and often are not aware of who the interviewer is and where the interview will be published. Below are a few tips for potential prospects when approached by media members requesting interviews.
#1 WHO?
Usually members of the media will state their name prior to requesting an interview with an athlete, “Hey Chris can I have a minute of your time? My name is John Jones with ABC Recruiting” for example. If he does not state his name, please ask. It is always smart to know who you are speaking with.
#2 WHICH?
After a media member states his name, be sure to listen carefully when he states the company he works for, affiliated with or is freelancing for. You want to know what company will be publishing this interview.
#3 WHEN?
After the interview concludes, be sure to ask the interviewer the estimated date the interview will be published. This will give you some sort of date to expect to see the interview and review what has been publicized.
#4 WHERE?
Last but not least, ask the interviewer where the interview will be published; All outlets it will be published. As the interviewee, you want to review the interview to make sure you were not misquoted or a comment was taken out of context.
Note:
Don’t be afraid to ask for a business card or some kind of identification of the interviewer.
Everything is on the record even when declared “Not on record.” Not all interviewers have your best interest at heart. Better yet looking for the best content to publish. Information that is confidential, keep to yourself even if an interviewer is having casual conversation or states the interview is “Not on the record.”
It is not a good idea to decline interviews unless you have been misquoted more than once by the same interviewer. However, it is ok to avoid questions or a line of questioning by using the following statements:
– I am not comfortable answering that question at the time.
or
– I would rather not answer that question at the time.
Both are a respectable way of declining to answer a question without being a butt hole or sounding like one. I would suggest not to use “No comment.”