Have you ever made a flippant or "off-the-wall" comment and had it become your quote in a story. Perhaps you were trying to be humorous or witty, and thought the reporter knew you were not serious. This problem also occurs when reporters repeat questions and you get frustrated and make a sarcastic statement.

People doing phone interviews are probably the most vulnerable. As the interview progresses, they get chatty, start looking at their e-mail or in-basket, relax and forget that the reporter is listening to everything. You can hear the reporter's keyboard in the background.

Remember, it does not matter if it is a print or broadcast interview, the reporter can and will use anything you say. I can almost guarantee that if you make a flippant or "off-the-wall" comment, that will become your quote for the story.
 

The "Media Interview Tip of the Month" is taken from my book, Winning Media Interviews: Sure-Fire Tactics to Get Your Messages Out. Feel free to share my tips with your staff and colleagues. I would like to hear from you about using the techniques I discuss in my book. Also, send me a note and let me know if it is okay to share your comments with others on this web page (to contact Steve go here.)