Want to be a media spokesperson?
Media outlets and podcasts are always looking to hear from academics who can talk interestingly about their area of expertise, and in language that their audience can understand.
Imagine how satisfying it would be to have your properly informed comment in the media, and for that comment to influence policy-makers and inform the general public.
Top tips
- Editors and audiences want clear insight – think about the outlet and who their audience is and try to pitch your language appropriately
- Prepare three key messages – but don’t overthink it. You need to be clear on your points but interviews, especially for news programmes, are always shorter than you think
- Try to have something distinctive to say that hasn’t been said before
- Make sure they have your name and title correct (including spelling) and mention the university, "Queen Mary University of London"
- Practice with someone else first if you’re not experienced and try to keep your answers to around 30 seconds each. And sit still, speaking directly to camera
- Speak in your natural style and make sure there’s nothing in the background, noise or visual, that could unduly distract. For radio, try to make sure you’re on a quality audio line like FaceTime or Zoom rather than just phone.
- If you’re asked something that you don’t want to (or can’t) answer, have some ‘bridging’ phrases in mind (eg ‘That’s interesting, but for me the important thing is…’ or ‘I’ve heard that opinion expressed, but in my experience….’)
- If you have time, bring in a personal link between what you are saying and Queen Mary's key brand messages, say around being a leading research intensive university, or our strength in diversity.
Our support
Please make sure your Find an expert profile is up to date (250 characters including spaces, but usually only 125 visible in the search page) and that your other information via this page is accurate. If you don't have access to update this on T4, ask your school marketing team for help.
Ideally, share your mobile number with the media team. Remember the media team can help you or answer any questions you might have about being a media spokesperson.
If you are communicating science, you may find the Science Media Centre's media guide for scientists useful.