On most professional sports scenes, high-profile athletes receive press training to ensure that their media interactions go smoothly. But what about the journos? If you're new to the sports interview field, this article will give you some tips for conducting good post-competition interviews.
A good interviewer not only knows their strengths and weaknesses, but they also know where to apply what when it comes to different situations.
Interviewing athletes comes with a unique playing field, and to do that successfully, a unique skillset is required.
Whether you're a first-timer at the Olympic Games or just in need of a refresher on your sports interviewing skills, your new game plan is just a scroll ahead.
media update's Joreke Kleynhans provides you with seven tips to help you smash those post-competition interviews.
Come Prepared
You can't predict how a match will play out. You can, however, be sure that the usual talking points about performances, scores and outcomes will be relevant no matter what. Prepare for those to take the extra pressure off.
Stay Pragmatic
After competing, athletes' emotions may be intensified. Keep things professional by steering clear from emotionally loaded questions — unless they're positive, of course! Rather, stick to questions that are relevant to the immediate situation.
Keep it Real
Interact with interviewees genuinely. They can sense authenticity from the starting whistle, and it makes them more open and at ease to talk.
Uphold a Confident Demeanour
If you don't know what to ask next, take a sip of water and think before you speak. A well-thought-out question seems much more confident than a jumble of words that comes too quickly.
Listen Carefully
Ensure that you understand the athlete's answers so that you can ask follow-ups effectively. If your brain went blank while they were speaking, just ask them to repeat or clarify!
Show Respect
This goes both ways. Don't ask personal, attacking, or inappropriate questions and don't be too pushy. Athletes always have the right to politely decline a question. You can also demand respect in your own right by offering it before expecting it.
Be Aware of Your Body Language
You want to exude confidence, express interest in what is being said, show knowledge about the sport… the list goes on. Even if you aren't feeling too great, fake it till you make it by smiling, avoiding fidgeting and relaxing (but not slouching) your shoulders.
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*Image courtesy of Canva