Bridging Statements: Navigating Media Interviews with Confidence
In my podcast last week, I discussed the importance of bridging Statements. I promised to write a blog to give more written information about bridging statements. In today’s media-driven world, interviews with the news media play a significant role in shaping public perception. Whether you’re a public figure, a corporate spokesperson, or an expert in your field, being interviewed by the news media requires skillful communication. One powerful technique that can help PIOs and Crisis Communicators maintain control and effectively convey your message is the use of bridging statements. In this blog, I will explore the concept of bridging statements, their importance in media interviews, and provide practical examples of how to use them effectively.
Bridging statements are strategic communication tools used to transition from a question posed by an interviewer to a key message that the interviewee wants to convey. They help maintain control of the conversation and ensure that the desired message is delivered effectively. Always remember, this is your interview, it is your job to maintain control.
Why are Bridging Statements Important?
- Steering the Conversation: Bridging statements allow interviewees to redirect the conversation towards their main talking points. By acknowledging the question briefly and then smoothly transitioning to their core message, they can guide the discussion in the desired direction.
- Focusing on Key Messages: During media interviews, time is often limited, and it is crucial to communicate key messages effectively. Bridging statements enable individuals to stay on track and ensure that their core messages are conveyed despite potential distractions or tangential questions.
- Managing Difficult Questions: Media interviews can present challenging or sensitive questions that may require a careful response. Bridging statements provide a way to address these questions without directly answering them, allowing interviewees to pivot to their desired talking points while still acknowledging the importance of the question.
Types of Bridging Statements
- Acknowledgment and Transition
Example: “That’s an important question, but let’s first address the broader issue at hand…”
Explanation: This type of bridging statement acknowledges the question without directly answering it and smoothly transitions to the main message. It allows interviewees to control the flow of the conversation while addressing the interviewer’s concerns.
- Reframing and Shifting Focus
Example: “While that perspective has merit, what’s crucial to consider is…”
Explanation: This type of bridging statement reframes the question or statement and guides the conversation towards the interviewee’s desired topic. It allows interviewees to redirect the focus of the discussion without disregarding the interviewer’s viewpoint entirely.
- Using Statistics or Research
Example: “According to recent studies, it is clear that…”
Explanation: By incorporating relevant statistics or research findings, this bridging statement supports the interviewee’s position and adds credibility to their response. It demonstrates a factual basis for their argument, making it more persuasive to the audience.
- Empathy and Perspective
Example: “I understand your concern, but it’s important to look at the bigger picture…”
Explanation: This type of bridging statement acknowledges the interviewer’s perspective while redirecting the conversation to the interviewee’s main message. It shows empathy towards the concerns raised while emphasizing the importance of considering broader context or alternative viewpoints.
Mastering the art of bridging statements empowers you to navigate media interviews with confidence, effectively conveying your key messages while addressing the interviewer’s questions. By understanding the different types of bridging statements and implementing strategic strategies such as active listening, you can maintain control of the conversation and leave a lasting impact on your audience. Remember, practice and feedback are crucial in refining your bridging skills and ensuring your communication remains transparent, authentic, and influential. With these tools in your tool kit, you can navigate media interviews with confidence and effectively communicate your key message.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
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