Pre-Interview Talk

What is a Pre-Interview Talk?

A pre-interview talk is the introductory alignment of topic and framework before an interview or appearance. It clarifies expectations, format and content – but is not yet itself part of the coverage.

Pre-Interview Talk in Detail

Before many interviews there is a pre-interview talk: between the journalist and the interviewee or their press office. In it, the topic, focal points, format, duration, framework conditions and, in part, possible questions are aligned. For the interviewee, the pre-interview talk is valuable because it provides orientation and makes preparation easier: you learn what the conversation is aiming at and can prepare key messages and examples accordingly. It is important, however, to be aware: what is said in the pre-interview talk can also – depending on the arrangement – find its way into the coverage. You should therefore not assume it is “off the record” unless that has been explicitly agreed. Conversely, the pre-interview talk is no guarantee: the actual questions may differ. A professional pre-interview talk creates clarity and trust on both sides and is thus an important part of interview preparation – without replacing your own diligence.

In practice, the pre-interview talk serves to prepare an interview or appearance: the journalist and interviewee clarify in advance the topic, framework, approximate direction of questioning and format. This creates orientation and helps you prepare in a targeted way. At the same time, caution is advisable: a pre-interview talk is not automatically confidential, and what you say here can be picked up later – especially casual asides. It makes sense to use the pre-interview talk to clarify expectations and sharpen your own key messages, without giving everything away in advance or saying anything ill-considered. If needed, you can clarify what is on and what is off the record, though you should not rely on this blindly. A good pre-interview talk reduces surprises and strengthens your own composure in the actual interview.

What is the purpose of a pre-interview talk?

The pre-interview talk aligns the topic, focal points, format and framework of an interview. It provides orientation and makes preparation easier. Note: what is said here can be used, and the actual questions may differ.

Pre-Interview Talk – Examples in Practice

A press spokesperson clarifies the topic and duration of a TV interview in the pre-interview talk. An expert learns the focal points in advance and prepares fitting examples. A journalist outlines the planned direction in the pre-interview talk.

Pre-Interview Talk: Key Features at a Glance

• Purpose: align topic and framework
• Content: focal points, format, duration
• Benefit: orientation and preparation
• Caution: what is said can be used
• Limit: no guarantee of the actual questions

Related Terms

• Interview Preparation
• Interview Setting
• Background Conversation
• Consent to Record
• Interview

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Pre-Interview Talk: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pre-interview talk?

The introductory alignment of topic and framework before an interview or appearance – it clarifies expectations, format and content.

What is the purpose of a pre-interview talk?

It provides orientation and makes preparation easier: you learn what the conversation is aiming at and can prepare key messages and examples accordingly.

Is a pre-interview talk confidential?

Not automatically. What is said there can, depending on the arrangement, flow into the coverage – “off the record” applies only if it has been explicitly agreed.

Can you rely on the questions named in the pre-interview talk?

Only to a limited extent. The pre-interview talk gives orientation, but the actual questions may differ – good preparation of your own remains important.