Assume that everything you say during your time with the interviewer will be reported, says Gentry — even when you're not "in" the interview. And don't think that the reporter is your friend because you had a nice conversation, advises Stewart; a journalist's first allegiance is to the story.
Talk about facts. Don't discuss hypothetical situations, says Stewart; talk only about what you know.
Keep your answers short. VHA's Gentry suggests that you limit your answers to no more than 30 seconds, and that you avoid elaborating: "Fewer sentences leaves less opportunity for the reporter to misinterpret you."
Don't say "no comment." Across the board, experts agree that this is the worst thing to say in an interview. That phrase calls even more attention to subjects that you're uncomfortable discussing, and it gives a journalist the opportunity to report the story as he or she perceives it — which may not jibe with your version. You don't necessarily need to divulge information, of course, but you do need to avoid those two little words. Decline politely, and say why you can't answer. For example: "I can't discuss that until May 31, when our quiet period ends."
If you feel the reporter has a bias, says Gentry, don't be afraid to challenge his or her assumptions.
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