By following Rocheleau’s media interview advice, advocates can maximize their impact, balancing personal stories with educational information, and remaining calm and composed during interviews. 

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The power of personal stories

Sharing personal experiences is crucial to connecting with the audience.

“Most people resonate more with a strong anecdotal story rather than just a string of facts and figures."

Whether as a person living with ALS, a caregiver, or an advocate, personal stories make the impact of ALS more relatable and real.

Stay informed and balance personal stories with facts

Rocheleau emphasizes that while personal stories are powerful, advocates must also include key facts.

"It’s important to sprinkle in information about the disease…how many people it affects, how rapidly it progresses, and the fact there’s no cure."

This combination of storytelling and education helps convey both personal and broad impacts.

Clear, concise messaging  

Rocheleau encourages keeping responses "clear and concise" because it resonates better with audiences and helps ensure your key points are included in the final piece. Media outlets have limited space or airtime, so delivering punchy quotes is critical.

Anticipate questions and stay on message

Rocheleau advises advocates to think about what message they want to convey.

"Consider what the audience should take away, and drive that point home… repeating it if necessary."

He also suggests role-playing with a friend to prepare for potential questions.

Engage with the interviewer  

Before an interview, Rocheleau suggests making small talk with the interviewer to help ease nerves.

"Make small talk with the reporter ahead of time…it can help calm you."

Staying calm allows you to focus and deliver your message effectively.

Show emotion but stay composed

Rocheleau notes that showing emotion can make an interview even more powerful.

"It’s more than okay to show emotion, even shed tears."

However, he also stresses the importance of staying composed enough to keep the conversation going.

Don’t be afraid to say ‘I don’t know’  

If a question arises that you can’t answer, Rocheleau advises being honest.

"Do not guess or make up answers...just be honest and offer to follow up later."

Post-interview follow-up 

After the interview, Rocheleau encourages advocates to reflect on how it went and follow up if necessary.

"Take time to reflect on how it went… If a reporter got something factually wrong, don’t be shy to reach out and ask for a correction."

Impactful quotes:

"Sharing personal experiences can really move the conversation and rally support around an issue."

"Personal stories give the audience a name, a face, and a relatable touch."

"It’s not just for the audience, but for the journalist interviewing you, as they may not be fully familiar with ALS."

Example of a successful interview