Taking Control of Your Interview

Most people would agree that being interviewed is far from fun and for some, extremely uncomfortable. Primarily, because we don’t actually know what questions are going to come up? Sure, they are going to ask questions about your role, the film or project etc… but the unease and concern stems from what else might be thrown at you?  

Here are a few basics to have in your back pocket, which should give everyone a small sigh of relief:  

You may not believe this, but you do have all the responses and answers already in your wheelhouse and yes, with a fair amount of preparation you will definitely reduce your discomfort level and actually enjoy (using the word loosely) your interviews. 

You may be thinking; what if they ask something out of left field, from my past, or a current personal or political situation?

Below are a couple simple responses (though you would put them in your own words, not mine) to pivot away from something you really don’t want to get into, you just don’t like where the interview is going, or you really don’t have the time and energy because you are actually here to do interviews to promote your film, project etc.  

Sample: 

“Right, well, I really can’t answer that now, that’s a better question for the folks at the studio (or fill in the blank).”

Or 

“I have more thoughts on the subject than you have time for and this actually doesn’t seem the appropriate time or place, maybe we can talk about this at another time.”

The idea with responses like these or similar responses, is you have total permission to avoid a question, push it down the line or shut it down.

Doing this in your own words with your personality, being authentic yet still keeping in the mind set that you want to respond gracefully and get on with promoting the subject matter the interview was set up for in the first place.  

You can respond simply like those mentioned above then start talking about something that will take the interview in the direction you want it to go. You are in control of your interview.

— Suzanne