How To Address an On-the-Record Slip-up

So you’re in the middle of an interview with a journalist and you have that heart-sinking moment when you say something that doesn’t come out as you intended and could run the risk of being misconstrued.

Don’t panic. Well, if you’re on live TV you do have permission to die a little on the inside, but there still may be hope to course correct.

When you’re talking to the media, slip-ups happen. Even our most eloquent of presidents and adept White House press secretaries end up with robust blooper reels after four years.

Yet there are ways to navigate through a slip-up that can minimize or eliminate the potential damage.

The most challenging instances occur when you are doing a live interview spot where there are no do-overs. If you find yourself in that awkward position, your best hope is to immediately say something along the lines of “I didn’t state that as well as I could. What I want to convey is…”

And then pray they didn’t go to commercial break before you got the words out.

Interviews that aren’t being broadcast in real time offer a lot more opportunities for rescuing yourself.

In instances during an interview in which a statement you make isn’t fully accurate or doesn’t come out the way you intended, politely address it immediately. Usually saying “I really didn’t state that as well as I wanted to, could you ask the question again?” does the trick.

If your concern focuses on a factual statement, let the reporter know that you need to double-check the information to make sure it is accurate, and will follow up with them. And make sure you do it promptly.

Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of journalists are human and – with a few notable exceptions – aren’t obsessed with the “gotcha” game.

Most will accommodate your request knowing that they’re ultimate goal is to present information in the most accurate and effective way possible.

And one final thought. If you are on-the-record with a journalist, remember that record starts rolling from the moment you greet to the moment you hang up the phone or say your goodbyes. That means everything from good-natured banter to cynical takedowns before and after the formal interview begins are fair game.

Be friendly and conversational, but by all means be cautious.