How can I prepare for a media or podcast interview?

Imagine this: you get an unexpected call inviting you to a media or podcast interview scheduled for tomorrow.

Suddenly, you have to be ready to present yourself and your expertise to a potentially massive audience on very short notice. Here’s how you can prepare quickly and effectively so that you stand out.

While I’m not a PR expert, I’ve participated in over 200 media interviews for outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Time, US News & World Report, CNN, NBC, and more, so I’ve learned how to prep for interviews rapidly—and thoroughly—to make the most of every opportunity.

Here’s how you can prepare quickly and effectively so that you stand out.

Here’s how to approach a last-minute media or podcast invitation to deliver value, establish a strong connection with the interviewer, and set yourself up for future features.

1. Parse the Invitation for Clues on the Interview Angle

The first step is to carefully read the invitation or request email. Often, journalists or hosts include subtle clues about the angle they’re pursuing. Pay attention to specific phrases they use and consider what that tells you about the story’s focus. Are they looking for a contrarian viewpoint, actionable insights, or background expertise on a trending topic? Knowing this helps you frame your responses to align with the direction they envision.

2. Research Their Past Work and Anticipate Likely Questions

Look up a few of the interviewer’s recent articles or episodes to get a feel for their style and the type of questions they like to ask. If time is tight, scan transcripts or summaries to pick up on recurring themes, their preferred tone, and the level of detail they expect. Based on your findings, jot down five to ten questions you think they might ask. This prep will make you feel confident and anticipate the flow of the conversation.

3. Outline Your Key Points in a 5-Point Structure

Next, think about the main point of the topic or story you’ll be discussing. Outline five core points you’d include if you were writing an article about it. This simple structure gives you clarity and direction during the interview, keeping you from rambling or getting off-track. (Bonus tip: save these notes—you can turn them into a full article later once the interview is live!)

4. Develop a Unique Point of View

This is the most important step. Interviews that stand out usually feature fresh, distinctive perspectives, so consider how you can add a unique angle to your responses. You don’t need to be provocative or contrarian; rather, offer insights or advice that go beyond the usual talking points. Once you have your angle, develop a few “sound bites” that express it concisely. These should feel casual but thought-provoking so they’re easy to integrate naturally into the conversation.

5. Prepare for the “Anything I Haven’t Asked?” Question

Interviewers often wrap up by asking, “Is there anything I haven’t asked that you think we should cover?” This is a prime opportunity to make a lasting impression, so don’t leave it to chance. Prepare a killer sound bite or quote, or introduce a brief framework that encapsulates your expertise. This final answer should leave them (and the audience) with something memorable about you and your insights.

6. Convert Your Outline into Quotable Sound Bites

Using the 5-point structure you developed earlier, create brief, quotable phrases that align with the publication’s or podcast’s style. Try to speak in complete, succinct thoughts so they can easily pull your words without heavy editing. This makes it more likely that they’ll quote you directly, preserving your message exactly as you intend.

Putting It All Together in 90 Minutes or Less

Though it may sound like a lot, you can go through these steps in under 90 minutes. Investing this time helps you show up polished, prepared, and valuable to the interviewer. Not only does this increase your chances of being featured positively, but it also builds a strong rapport with the media, potentially leading to future opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Quick prep doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means preparing thoughtfully and efficiently. Whether you’re a seasoned interviewee or new to the media, these steps help you represent your expertise authentically and make an impactful impression on both the interviewer and audience. So, next time that last-minute call comes, you’ll be ready to step into the spotlight like a pro!