216: The 3 Mistakes Most Spokespeople Make in their Media Interviews (and how to avoid them)

If you say the wrong thing in front of the press, it could live online for years to come and greatly damage your reputation. This episode takes a look back at a previous podcast episode and webinar with media trainer extraordinaire Warren Weeks, where he broke down the three mistakes that most spokespeople make in media interviews, why these faux pas can be so damaging, and how to avoid them. From not treating an interview like it’s a conversation to identifying and avoiding the traps set by reporters, learn how to perfect the art of the media interview and protect your brand. Also covered are some helpful tips for the preparation of “quotable quotes” to ensure that you don’t just avoid saying the wrong thing, but also get the right message across.Key Points From This Episode:The challenges faced by spokespeople in media interviews and how they are based on fear. The practice and patience required to craft the right messaging to protect yourself in a media interview.Why you should never treat a media interview as a conversation and why people do this. The awkward pause, what it is, and how journalists use this against spokespeople.How to avoid falling into the trap of the awkward pause. Why spokespeople often avoid repeating themselves and why they shouldn’t.Why you shouldn’t repeat the reporter’s words in your answer and how to avoid this reflex.The importance of discipline and control. The Indestructible PR® Tip for the day regarding the preparation of “quotable quotes.”Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Warren Weeks Media Training TorontoMolly McPherson Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...