Prepare your message in advance
Clarify the objective of the intervention
First and foremost, it's important to ask yourself the following question: why are you speaking out? Is it to defend a position? To promote an action? To set the record straight? The intention must guide the formulation of messages.
Define your key messages
The idea is not to say everything, but to get 2 or 3 strong ideas across. These messages should be simple, easy to remember and illustrated by clear examples. They should reflect the identity of the company or speaker.
Example of a structured message
Our mission: to make the ecological transition accessible to all businesses, whatever their size or resources.
Adapting your tone to the context
A message may be reformulated differently depending on whether it is addressed to the general public, decision-makers or specialist journalists. It is therefore crucial to adapt the vocabulary and the level of technicality.
Understanding the medium and its format
Understanding the journalist's expectations
Each medium has its own codes. It is advisable to find out about the interviewer, their usual subjects and the type of questions they ask. This enables you to anticipate the angles of attack.
Adapting to the substrate
A podcast calls for more naturalness and authenticity, whereas a television set requires more visual and verbal mastery. A press article, on the other hand, requires more concise and structured responses.
Practical advice
Viewing or listening to several pieces of content from the same medium is an excellent way of gaining a better understanding of its specific characteristics.
Practising speaking clearly and confidently
Working on your voice
A voice that is too weak, monotonous or too fast can be detrimental to the message. Breathing, articulation and tone modulation exercises are recommended.
Managing stress
Stage fright is normal. To control it, it helps to practise visualisation, to breathe deeply before speaking, and to repeat out loud several times. Practice makes perfect.
Body language
Posture, the way you look, your hands - everything counts. A straight posture, a frank gaze and controlled body movements reinforce the impact of your speech.
Handling sensitive issues with serenity
Anticipating sensitive issues
It's important to take stock beforehand of the issues that could pose a problem. Preparing measured, constructive responses ensures that you are not caught off guard.
Mastering the art of reframing
A provocative question can be returned to calmly: rephrase, qualify, return to your own ground. Don't allow yourself to be locked into an imposed answer.
Example of intelligent reformulation
I understand your question, but what I think is essential here is to reiterate that our priority remains user satisfaction.
Conclude in a striking way
End with a strong idea
It's always a good idea to repeat a key message or underline a strong conviction so that the audience leaves with a clear idea of what you're arguing for. The conclusion leaves a lasting impression and gives direction for what comes next.