Media Guide for Competitors

Navigating the world of media interviews can be daunting, especially for motorsport athletes who are more accustomed to high-speed tracks than the spotlight. While fans may rarely see your face behind a helmet, interviews provide a unique opportunity to showcase your personality and connect with your audience. Whether it’s a print, radio, or television interview, mastering the art of communication is essential to effectively represent yourself, your team, and your sponsors. This guide will provide you with essential interview tips and tricks to ensure you shine in every media interaction.

From preparing your key points to acknowledging your sponsors, these insights will help you confidently share your story and elevate your public image. Get ready to make a lasting impression with our comprehensive media interview tips tailored specifically for our motorsport network.

Print Interview

Photo Suggestions

• Prepare a few interesting photo suggestions.
• Ensure individuals are available for the photo shoot.
• Think about visual elements that will make the photo engaging.

Preparation

• Prepare four or five key points you want to convey.
• Provide necessary background information briefly; a one-page media release with relevant facts can help.

Engaging Quotes

• Make your quotes interesting and colourful to increase the chance of them being used directly.

Avoid Jargon

• Avoid using motorsport-specific jargon. Aim to appeal to a broad audience.

Radio Interview

Know Your Audience

• Consider the demographics of the radio station’s listeners (e.g., office workers, families, teenagers, retirees).
• Confirm who the target audience is so you know who you’re talking to.

Relax and Be Natural

• Approach it as a conversation, not an interview.
• Prepare your key points but do not memorise them verbatim to sound natural.
• Write down your next appearance, sponsor activation or race, including details on where to find more information.

Descriptive Language

• Use descriptive language to create vivid imagery for the listeners.
• Describe events, places, people, and situations clearly.

Clarity and Expression

• Speak clearly and concisely with lots of expression.
• Smile to improve the tone of your voice.
• Imagine the audience actively listening, speak directly to them.

Everyday Language

• Use everyday language as you would when talking to friends or family.
• Avoid repetitive words and filler sounds like “you know,” “like,” “um,” and “er.”

Avoid Distractions

• Avoid sniffing, coughing, clicking pens, or shuffling papers.
• Ensure your mobile phone is turned off.

Television Interview Tips

Relax

• Try to relax and not be overwhelmed by the journalist and camera operator.
• If you’re tense, shrug your shoulders up to your ears and let them gently slide down to a natural position.
• If you’re nervous, stomp your feet and jump up and down to shake loose.
• If the TV interviews are pre-recorded, you have time to think about your answers before you respond.
• Use open body language, plant your feet and look directly at the journalist. Keep your hands below your waist and out of shot so they’re not distracting.
• If filming live, at the end of the interview don’t feel like you need to hang around. Remember you’re the talent, and you’ve got places to be, say “thank you, good bye”, wave to your fans (if appropriate) and leave the shot.

Prepare Short, Clear Points

• Prepare a few short, clear, and simple points.
• If your vehicle has a naming right sponsor, get used to referring to it as such in normal life, so it rolls off the tongue effortlessly without actively thinking about it. This also gives you a moment to buffer and think about what you really want to say when answering questions.
• Repeat the question back in your own words to buy yourself a moment and formulate an answer.
• If an answer isn’t going well, ask if you can start again (not applicable during live interviews).
• Acknowledge volunteers and engage with the audience where possible, thank them for coming out to watch you race.
• Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat, acknowledge your competitors.

Minimal Movement

• Avoid moving around too much. Stay steady to prevent the camera from accentuating your movements.
• Don’t run away for the microphone, ignore its existence, the journalist will move it to the optimal spot so you can be heard. Also, try not to snatch the microphone from the interviewer, let them do their job to help you look good.

Appearance

• Do not be afraid to brush away stray hair or insects.
• Avoid caps, hats, and sunglasses. If you wear a cap, push it up to ensure eye contact and reduce any shadow cast over your face.

Sponsors

Visual Representation

• Wear gear or clothing with visible sponsor logos during the interview. Position yourself so that any branded items are visible to the camera.

Verbal Acknowledgment

• Verbally acknowledge sponsors in your answers.
• Example: “Our success today is in large part thanks to the incredible support from [Sponsor’s Name].”

Express Sincere Gratitude

A crucial aspect of media interactions for motorsport athletes is acknowledging and giving due credit to sponsors. This not only shows gratitude but also strengthens the relationship with sponsors and enhances their visibility, clearly demonstrating return on investment. Demonstrate genuine appreciation for sponsors’ contributions to your success. 

Prepare in Advance

Know your key sponsors and the specific products or services they provide, and exactly how they’ve contributed.

Prepare a list of sponsors to mention during interviews.

Natural Integration

Integrate sponsor mentions naturally into your responses. Avoid sounding forced or overly promotional.

For example, “Our team’s performance has greatly improved thanks to the support from [Sponsor’s Name], providing us with class leading [specific product/service].”

Relevant Context

Mention sponsors in relevant contexts. If discussing performance, training, or equipment, highlight how sponsors contribute to these areas.

Remember, being interviewed by the media is an excellent opportunity to connect with your fans, showcase your achievements, and highlight the support of your sponsors. You don’t have to be the winner on race day to be worthy of attention. Your dedication, passion, and unique contributions to the sport are what make you an integral part of the motorsport landscape.

By following these interview tips and tricks, you can turn every media appearance into a powerful tool for building your personal brand and advancing your career in motorsports. Embrace the spotlight, express your gratitude to sponsors, and always aim to leave a positive, lasting impression.

With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of media interviews and making your mark both on and off the track. Your story is valuable, and sharing it helps enrich the entire motorsport community.