Like everyone else, I was shocked and saddened by the news of the sudden passing of Tim Russert. On Fathers Day weekend, no less. As an avid watcher of “Meet the Press,” I can’t quite get my mind around his loss – not seeing him there this morning and every Sunday morning to come is unfathomable.
While I never had the chance to meet him when I was at NBC, I worked on the announcement in February 1997 of “Meet the Press” being the first network television program to broadcast live in high defnition. It seems fitting that this show, moderated at this particular time by this particular man, would make history not just in television content but in technology as well.
Russert was the consummate journalist. He did his homework. He played tough but fair. He had a deep passion for his subject. He never let his personal politics affect his work.
Anyone who wishes to improve their communications and interview skills need look no further than studying Russert and his myriad interview subjects. Check some of them out here - and imagine yourself in the guest’s seat. It’s a great way to learn the basics. Who does well, and who doesn’t? Study their style, their facial expressions, their body language. What would you have done/said differently had you been sitting there?
If your interviewer is half as prepared as Russert, you’re in for a challenge. Don’t think you can “wing it,” regardless of the size and reach of the outlet you’re speaking with. Make a list of every snarky question you can think of that you may be asked. Put yourself in the place of your competitor/adversary, challenge your position from every possible angle, and try out several responses. Have your 2-3 top messages down pat, and practice artfully weaving them into your answers without running on and on. And, of course, practice, practice, practice.
I loved watching Russert ask the same question several times in different ways – and several times I’d see a slight smile come across his face as his subject tried to find different ways to dodge it. Classic!
How unfortunate for us that we won’t have his great journalistic expertise, passion and integrity to help us navigate the upcoming election. The bombastic blowhards spouting off at the drop of a hat are a dime a dozen, replicating like kudzu. Those like Russert, so valuable to the fragile media ecosystem, don’t come along every day. He will be sorely missed.
