Team BC Website > Athletes & Coaches

Media Training

The Team BC Communications Manager works closely with the media to set up interviews with Team BC athletes and coaches and to provide them with unique stories and features. If you have media who are in contact with you on a regular basis, please let the Team BC Communications Manager know through your mission staff.

Print media (and in some venues television media) have access to all Games venues, except the Athletes’ Village. Often the media will ask to speak with an athlete or coach prior to or after competition. Media requests will be directed through the athlete’s coach. Please make every effort to be cooperative and pleasant with the media and try to provide positive and constructive comments about your competition, the Games Society and volunteers.

Interview Tips

Arrive on time for the interview.
There is no such thing as “off the record” - you are always on the record.
Let your personality shine through. Don’t be afraid to smile or laugh.
If it is a TV interview, look at the reporter not into the camera.
If it is a crisis situation, direct the media to the Communications Manager.
Don’t answer a question with “no comment”. You can say that it is not something you would like to talk about.
Anticipate in advance the kinds of questions you may be asked.
Avoid technical jargon, including acronyms (e.g. PSO).
Use short, to-the-point answers.
Don’t get sidetracked with your answer.
Think about a message you may wish to get across and how you might be able to work it in.
Keep your cool.
Be energetic.
Mention something personal about yourself and your experiences.
Take your time during the interview. Think fast - talk slow.
Enjoy your time in the spotlight!
Tell your story for the first time – every time.
Thank the reporter.

Resources
For more information about interviewing techniques and dealing with the media, check out the Team BC Media Training Guide.

Other Resources:

Key Messages

Key messages are the best way to approach an interview, and are what reporters are looking for. They bridge what the media’s audience (readers, viewers, listeners) already know and what you want them to know about yourself and your sport.

You have a point to make, regardless of the outcome of your competition. Being prepared with key messages will help you prepare for your interview because you already know what you are going to say. It allows you to be comfortable in the interview process and helps you to focus regardless of how you are feeling.

When thinking about key messages, ask yourself "why” and “how", to help you come up with an appropriate answer. This will help you tell your story to the audience.

Key Messages are:

Concise: avoid jargon and acronyms
Active: make every sentence active
Positive: talk about what one can do, not what you can't
Short: one memorable sentence, 10-15 seconds
Specific: address a particular topic

Sample Key Messages for Athletes:

“I have spent countless hours on the golf course and knew that I was completely prepared for the competition today. Physically, I was as fit as I have ever been and mentally, I was tremendously focused.”

“I always have and will continue to believe that I have put in every aspect of my training on the line today. Regardless of the outcome, the sacrifices have been worth it.”

“This is a Team of no regrets. We have created an atmosphere of all for one and one for all. There is no one of us greater than the whole Team. Our focus has always been to end up on the top of the podium.”