Good reporters are pretty good at sniffing out a liar. Its because being lied to is a big part of their job. They ask uncomfortable questions in an effort to uncover the truth and if they’re getting really close to a sticky truth, their subjects will divert, evade, and maybe even fake an answer.
After years of interviewing sources and covering the legislature, I became adept at knowing when the interviewee was lying. I think most of this skill was developed by interviewing politicians, but don’t quote me on that correlation.
Experienced reporters develop a second sense to know when the interview is hiding information. It’s part reading body language, part knowing the issue, part asking the right questions, and part getting the subject comfortable and catching them off guard.
It was easier in the pre-internet world to get away with a half-truth. Back then reporters had to cover a beat or really research an issue to know when one person’s reality strayed from the truth. But today, there are too many ways to fact check information with one Google search or find unauthorized cell phone videos on youtube.
So here’s the advice from a professional: don’t lie.
That said you don’t have to divulge the entire truth of your financials (especially if you’re a privately owned company). Before giving that feature story on your corporate performance, before being interviewed on your annual goals, before you make your safety stats public, do some homework.
- Research the media outlet and read stories the reporter has published in the past.
- Be clear on your key messages. This may require you to do some prep work rather than ripping these off the top of your head.
- Anticipate potentially negative issues a reporter may ask and prepare answers for those.
- Ask the reporter for questions prior to the interview. Be advised: they are not required to give you the questions and even if they do, they may not follow the script.
You don’t have to put your hand on the Bible and swear to tell the whole truth, but telling no truths will live forever on the Internet.
If you’re interested, find me at mkathrynschmidt@gmail.com.
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