Fielding an interview can be nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time. One of the misperceptions we find when media training clients is the belief that the reporter holds all of the control. The spokesperson, in fact, has just as much control, if not more, in guiding the conversation and sharing the specific story and information they want to convey.
One of the best tools in the interviewee’s toolbox is the bridging technique. This is simply the practice of getting back to the talking points that matter. When done effectively, it allows the spokesperson to politely address the question posed by the reporter and guide the conversation back on track.
If you’re asked about something you don’t want to answer (or aren’t sure how to answer), use one of these useful phrases to bride back to your comfort zone:
Be sure to keep a few of these bridging phrases on the tip of your tongue before your next interviews.