The Ultimate Media Interview Checklist for Startups

From luxurious retreats, to expensive market research analysis, entrepreneurs have many resources to help them become seasoned thought leaders, but as they say, startups ain’t got time for that.

If you only have fifteen minutes before your interview with a TV show, radio show, podcast, or other media engagement, here are nine things you need to know right now:

1. Check Your Facts:  Run a quick Google news search on the topic you’ll be discussing. Make sure nothing has changed in the last few hours/days. (In the tech space it’s entirely possible).

2. Know About the Show:  Know the show’s name. Google it. Learn the host’s name. Know where the show airs. Keep this in mind during the interview.

3. Know Your Segment Length:  Know how long you’re on for and make the time. If the interview is 30 minute long, don’t rush it to try and leave at 25. Be respectful.

4. Know the Format:  If it’s “live,” then the audience can year you as you speak. If it’s “live to tape,” then they record and use everything, just at a later time. If it’s “edited” then they’ll shoot more than they can use and edit it down to the time they need.

5. Look in the Mirror:  If the interview is in any kind of video format, check your teeth, your hair, your buttons, your fly. Make sure nothing is out of place. If you’re wearing jewelry, keep it small and to a minimum. Less is more.

6. Drink Some Water:  Don’t down a bottle, but hydrate before you get out there.

7. Relax but Keep the Excitement:  It’s a fine line to walk, but you want to sound “natural” as you talk. Avoid talking too fast or too slow.

8. Listen to the Host:  During the interview, really listen to the host and try and answer their questions as best you can. You’re having a real conversation and hosts are representing the kinds of questions their audience will have for you.

9. Turn Your Cell Phone COMPLETELY OFF:  Vibrate won’t cut it. Literally, any data your cell phone sends or receives during a recording or broadcast will mess with the audio equipment/signal and it will ruin your interview. You have to put your cell phone in airplane mode or turn it off.