11 crucial keys to ace virtual interviews

Media interviews are now more likely to be completed remotely via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or other video conference app.

“There was once a time when a journalist would scoff at the idea of an interview over Skype or Google Hangouts. Now, these are tools that they need to use to do their jobs,” says Lisa Arledge Powell, president of MediaSource, in PRsay. In addition, virtual interviews are probably here to stay.

Remote interviews open PR opportunities since they overcome geographical barriers. The executive being interviewed doesn’t have to get to the broadcast studio; the video team doesn’t have to traipse to the executive’s office.

Remote TV interviews now pose new pitfalls, however. Communicators are likely now responsible for the streaming video platform and the lighting and sound in the executive’s office or home. Technical glitches pose risks, as do interruptions from noisy children and pets.

Media training and PR experts offer these recommendations to avoid those pitfalls and complete media interviews that produce stellar results.