Confronting the Pregnant Pause: 7 Tips for Dealing with the Media

Opinion

Imagine you’re in an interview, and after wrapping up your answer to one of the interviewer’s more difficult questions, you’re met with a wall of silence.

To many people, lapses in conversation are an invitation to ramble — anything to fill the silence. And, that desire is well-known to interviewers, who often use it in an effort to pull unwanted information from their interviewee.

That silence is nothing new to Trish Jordan, Monsanto Canada’s public and industry affair’s director. Jordan was also one of a panel of speakers at this year’s Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference in Calgary, where she went beyond pregnant pauses, to discuss the role people have in talking to the media, and how to become comfortable in that role.

#AWCwest2015 @aggiecoolchick dealing w media: “Everyone has the power to share their story w confidence & passion.” pic.twitter.com/99hrnYJnkN — Advancing Women (@advancing_women) April 7, 2015

Here are some of Jordan’s top tips for talking to the media:

1. 1. Know what you want to say.
   2. Know your audience.
   3. Practice.
   4. Develop relationships with the media.
   5. Be yourself.
   6. Stay relaxed.
   7. Be confident in what you’re sharing.

—

Don’t avoid media, says @aggiecoolchick on stage. This only moments after making sure to say hi and agreeing to an interview. #AWCwest2015 — Debra Murphy (@RealAg_Debra) April 7, 2015

Important to thank media for positive stories not just calling them on the bad ones. It’s about building relationships. #AWCwest2015

— Leanne Thompson (@LCT969) April 7, 2015

#AWCwest2015 build relationships with media; get involved, meet reporters when there isn’t an issue: Jordan — Ag-West Bio (@agwestbio) April 7, 2015

Interviews. Avoid word vomit.. @aggiecoolchick great tips.. pregnant pause, I have definitely been a victim! #AWCwest2015

— Maria Boychuk (@MBphoto_video) April 7, 2015

T. Jordan’s advice on communicating with the media: practice, be passionate, be yourself & stick to your agenda. Great advice! #AWCwest2015 — Jessica Hextall (@JessicaHextall) April 7, 2015

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