You need to create a balance between the reporter’s goal (to get the information they need to tell their story) and your goal (to represent your school in the best possible light while sharing your key messages). Before you do any media interviews, create between three and five key messages. Strong messages are:
- compelling and influence opinion
- provide the necessary information – who, what, where, when, why and how
- genuine and feel that way
- brief and jargon-free
- inspire action, hopefully positive action and
- resonate with audiences.
Your messages should always answer for the audience, “How does this affect me/my family/my classroom/my community?” These are the strongest and most compelling.