Stop Saying “I’m giving it 110%”: Why Athletes Should Train for the Interview
Stop Saying “I’m giving it 110%”:
Why Athletes Should Train for the Interview
I spent years working in Canadian tennis, then moved on to TSN, chasing what many would call the dream job: working in sports, courtside, behind the scenes, and in press boxes. I trained athletes who were world-class on the court but completely uncoached when it came to handling a media interview.
Let’s face it. Most pro athletes get maybe 5 to 8 years at the top of their sport, if they are fortunate. But the ones who handle the spotlight well stick around on panels, podcasts, endorsements, and beyond.
Let’s be honest. Too many athletes sound like they’re quoting from Bull Durham every time they face a reporter.
You know the scene where Kevin Costner’s character coaching a young pitcher to say, “We’re just going to play them one game at a time… I’m just happy to be here… I just want to help the team.”
Classic. Also painfully accurate.
But here’s the kicker: that cliché-ridden, empty-sounding soundbite may not hurt you, but it definitely won’t help you either.
In today’s media-savvy world, athletes who learn to speak with clarity, confidence, and a little bit of personality are the ones who win far beyond the scoreboard.
Media Is Not Your Enemy. It’s Your Platform.
Athletes are often told what to eat, how to move, what to wear, and when to sleep, but when it comes to shaping their public persona, it’s usually left to chance. Or worse, it’s left to a post-game scrum with zero prep and a million microphones.
The athletes who get this right, the ones who can tell their story well, tend to build something far more lasting than a highlight reel. Plus, in team sports it helps to protect the larger brand.
Think of it like this: if you’re going to be in front of a camera, why not make it count? The media is not a monster to be avoided. It’s a megaphone for your message, your values, your brand.
That’s why media training matters. It’s not about spin. It’s about learning how to communicate with purpose. Just look at Scottie Scheffler this week at the Open Championship. He didn’t dodge questions. He spoke calmly and honestly about keeping golf in perspective and putting his family and values first. That kind of clarity sticks with people and it sets him apart.
Watch it here, courtesy of Golf Digest:
https://x.com/i/status/1945084133941649919
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Five Ways Athletes Can Communicate Like Champs (Not Robots)
1.Have a Point of View
“We gave it our all” isn’t a personality. If you’ve got something to say, say it. Just keep it smart and relevant.
2.Think in Headlines
Reporters need a soundbite. Make it easy. Give them a line that sums up what you’re about without sounding like a press release.
3.Build Relationships with Media
The media isn’t just there to “trap” you. Reporters who trust you will help tell your story fairly. Being likeable goes a long way, on and off the record.
4.Don’t Fear the Tough Questions
You don’t have to answer everything, but dodging every question makes you look shady. Be honest, be direct, be calm. That’s where media training makes a big difference.
5.Be Authentically Unique (in a Good Way)
Ever notice how Bryson DeChambeau, John Daly, or Miguel Angel Jimenez make headlines not just for winning, but for how they talk? People connect with real humans not robots. Inject some personality.
So the next time someone hands you a mic around the locker room and asks how you played, resist the urge to say, “Just trying to help the team.” Say something real. Say something memorable, like Scottie Scheffler did.
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📣 I coach athletes, spokespeople, and media-facing professionals on how to own their message, build their brand, and make the most of every mic. Learn more at speakingofmedia.com
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