Is it ok to say “that’s a great question” or “this is an important topic” in a media interview? At Yes& CommCore media training and coaching sessions, clients seek advice on the do’s and don’ts of these phrases.
In a Fast Company article, consultant and columnist Judith Humphrey advises never to say, “That’s a great question,” in an interview. Humphrey suggests, “Instead of commenting on the quality of the question, pause. Don’t be afraid to take a moment to think in silence.”
Yes& CommCore’s Take: It’s a Both/And Situation
Sure, it’s better just to answer and get straight into your points. However, responding first with an acknowledgment of the question is ok as well. Here is why the Yes& CommCore team believes that filler phrases can be appropriate in an interview:
- We all need think time when answering a tricky or multipart question.
- “That’s a good question” is always better than repeating the negative phrasing that some reporters and audience members employ. If you repeat the negative that can be the quote or what the audience takes away.
- Sometimes you need time to think rather than sputtering out an unfiltered thought and continuing to ramble on.
- When a subject matter expert is asked a question, “That’s a good question,” is one way to tell the interlocutor that they are thinking about the subject in the right way.
- Are there better ways to engage with the question? Sure. Sometimes you can say: “That’s an important question,” “That’s a subject we think about, too,” or “That’s a question we get from our customers (or citizens)”.
It’s important to understand that although it’s ok to throw in a filler phrase ever so often, an over use of “That’s a great question” or, “I’m glad you asked me that,” could negatively impact your interview.
We Are Not Big Believers in Absolute Rules
As Yes& CommCore’s Andy Gilman comments, “It’s like the media training ruse of never nodding when you’re being asked a question. Sometimes it’s a bad thing when there are two cameras and you’re being accused of something. Sometimes it’s a good thing when you want to encourage a reporter.”
This article was written by Ella Macfarlane, Summer Associate ’22