Media Interview Guide
#NPWEEK | November 10-16, 2024
Media interviews provide a tremendous opportunity to spread the NP Week messaging and generate important exposure for NPs in your area. Below are recommendations for delivering your message persuasively and effectively in the media.
Media Dos: A Dozen Tips for Success
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REACH OUT to news outlets at least a week before NP Week. Share your contact information with interviewers to make yourself accessible for any follow-up questions they might have.
PRACTICE delivering your message clearly in front of a mirror, with friends and in mock interviews until you are comfortable with your words and your delivery.
SMILE AND ENGAGE in conversation to build rapport with the interviewer. You are the expert, so let your passion and your personality shine.
DEVELOP A SOUNDBITE that is quick, catchy and frames the conversation. Once the interview starts, flag the soundbite with a phrase like, “The most important takeaway is …”
EXERCISE BREVITY by stating your main message at the beginning of the interview and keeping your responses brief throughout.
USE PERSONAL ANECDOTES to make talking points more memorable and shareable.
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STEER THE CONVERSATION back on track by giving a brief response to a question and using a transition phrase like “which is why …” to help refocus the conversation.
AVOID HEALTH CARE JARGON to focus the interview on the positive impact of NPs without getting into the weeds with lingo that takes the emphasis away from the big picture.
TELL THE TRUTH. Everything you say will be considered a proof point for your position, so make sure you share defensible facts.
BE MINDFUL OF YOUR BODY LANGUAGE by paying attention to your posture, tone and facial expressions during the interview.
DIRECT THE INTERVIEWER to aanp.org, NP Week resources and other available sources of information for additional context and follow-up information.
SAY THANK YOU in person and follow up to reiterate the sentiment after the interview is complete. The best interviews are between people who like and respect one another.
Media Don'ts: Six Things to Avoid
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DON'T DISPARGE other health care providers.
DON'T GUESS. Stick to what you know.
DON'T BE SARCASTIC. You may be misinterpreted.
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DON'T EXAGGERATE. Only use defensible facts.
DON'T BE INTIMIDATED. You’re the expert.
DON'T LOSE YOUR COOL. Patience speaks volumes.
