MEDIA TRAINING

Throughout the course of the Games, you may be asked to speak with the media. In some cases this will be arranged through your mission staff, coach or manager. If this is not the case, please make them aware of the request. The media are looking for the best possible story. They are not only concerned with the winners - they are looking for intriguing stories about interesting people, controversial situations, and special angles. If you present yourself and your team in a positive manner, it will bring good publicity to you, your team, your sport and Team Sask.

Courtesy of TEAM BC, here are some great tips to ensure you’re prepared for your moment in the media spotlight:

BE PREPARED | Spend some time thinking of which questions you may be asked before, during, and after the competition. Think about some stories or issues that may arise and how to deal with them if asked for an interview.

ANTICIPATE THE QUESTIONS | Questions asked in an interview should not be a big mystery. You can anticipate most of them and have your answers ready.

LISTEN TO THE QUESTION | Many of the questions asked are not really questions. Any questions that start with “Do you think” or “Isn’t it true that” are not as tough as they sound. You can answer the questions briefly and then move on to your message, no matter what the question. If you get a question like, “What was good and bad about the Games,” answer the part you want to answer and ignore the other part unless you are asked again. Remember to stay positive!

GIVE YOUR POSITION | Do not allow interviewers to put words in your mouth. If you have a position on an issue, state it clearly. If they try to get you to change your position, keep coming back to your message. It is also a good idea to think of different ways to deliver your message.

SIGHT BITES | Someone who makes an embarrassing or inflammatory gesture or remark is liable to become a sight bite. The cameras and microphones are always on, and you do not want to do or say something that could embarrass you or your team.

DIFFICULT SITUATIONS | If you run into a difficult situation, saying nothing is the worst thing that you can do. It gives the journalist the opportunity to assume the worst and write anything. Whether you get your message across on a written statement, press conference, or in an interview, know your message, deliver it, and then move on. If you don’t, the difficult situation could become worse.

BE BRIEF | Answers should be short, to the point, and colourful. Long answers are boring, difficult to follow, and you may offer the media more information that you want to.

INVENTORY OF STORIES | If you or your team wins a medal, then you can predict which questions you will be asked. There are many other issues and stories that will come up which you can relate to and have many great quotes ready.


POTENTIAL QUESTIONS:

*Think about the game, as they will ask questions about different plays and teammates.

  1. How do you think the game went today?

  2. What do you wish would have went differently?

  3. What motivated you to play this sport?

  4. Do you have any family that was an alumni within the Canada Games/ play this sport?

  5. What mental tool do you use under pressure?

  6. Do you think attitude was a factor in the outcome of the game today?

  7. Tell us about your greatest achievement leading up to today.

  8. How has your Canada Games experience been so far/ what is your favourite part of the Canada Games experience?

  9. How often do you train and practice?

  10. What is your goal for the Canada Games?

  11. We all have our own struggles. What kind of struggles you had leading up to the Games?

  12. What are your greatest strength?

  13. How do you stay motivated to continue playing your sport?

  14. If you had to choose one skill to improve, what would it be and why?

  15. Have you been scouted by any Universities and if so, where?

  16. When you’re not practicing or competing, how do you spend your free time?

  17. Which other professional athletes do you admire and why?

  18. How often do you reflect on your performance and how does it impact your future decisions?

  19. Tell us about how you give back to your community.

  20. Do you have any secret talents?