Consider them critical moments in your athletic career. Your success positions you as a leader in the eyes of fans, the public and the news media. Reporters ask for your time and input. Can you do an outstanding job? Will you handle yourself professionally? Will people appreciate your words and find them refreshing and interesting? Will recruiters and those who might one day further your career be keeping tabs on you? Follow these recommendations to thrive and present the best version of yourself:
- Prepare your opening thoughts. One of the first steps athletes frequently take when when providing interviews is recognizing family, coaches and mentors. However, take this to the next level. Discuss your core beliefs.
- Provide details. You will work hard and do whatever it takes to help build a winning culture. You put team first. But differentiate yourself from other athletes by explaining how you plan to achieve your goals. Reporters will ask for specifics about your vision and philosophy. What’s important to you? What differentiates your experiences from those of others? Why are you ready for the next step? How will you make an impact?
- Practice speaking with distractions. When you’re answering questions on the field or in the locker room, distractions will swirl around you.
- Show your personality. Find opportunities to smile. A little laughter is OK. Display charisma.
- Share stories. Tell us about the times when you weren’t a big shot. What did your beginnings help you understand? How did they help you transform into a leader? What was your career’s defining moment?
- Address reporters’ assumptions. When writers’ jump to conclusions that you aren’t ready to confirm, explain you haven’t finalized any decisions. Correct errors.
- Speak with passion. Don’t drone on simply by sharing the nuts and bolts of your game. Show your excitement. Share your dreams. Display your future is bright.
- Prepare for tough questions. How will you address defeat and adversity? Avoid cliches. We already know how every week, you prepare to win. We already know that there are ups and downs. We know that’s part of the game. And we know everyone tries to improve everyday and take it one day at a time. Provide specifics on how you will overcome adversity. How will you fix the situation?
