5 Better Ways to Answer "Anything Else You'd Like to Add?" in Media Interviews

Ever been in that moment where your executive is wrapping up a media interview, and the journalist asks that seemingly innocent question: "Anything else you'd like to add?" And your executive – bless their heart – just shrugs and says, "Nope, we're good!" Meanwhile, you're sitting there having what can only be described as an internal meltdown that rivals my attempt at making sourdough bread during lockdown. (Spoiler: it ended with flour in places flour should never be.)

Let's be real for a second. Your CMO wouldn't turn down free advertising. Your CFO wouldn't ignore a chance to erase debt. So why on earth are we letting these golden PR opportunities slip through our fingers like that last french fry you accidentally dropped at a restaurant and then pretended you weren't desperately considering the five-second rule?

WHY THAT FINAL QUESTION MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK

That closing question isn't just small talk – it's basically free earned media being handed to you on a silver platter. It's like when someone offers you the last slice of pizza without you having to do that awkward "no, you take it" dance first. Take it! Always take the metaphorical pizza!

When properly prepared, this moment gives you the chance to reinforce key messages, extend your story, and make your entire interview more compelling. It's literally your chance to have the last word – something I personally dream about during arguments in the shower three days after they happened.

FIVE WAYS TO NAIL THAT FINAL RESPONSE

1. HIT 'EM WITH DATA THAT MAKES THEM GO "WHOA"

Numbers are like the little black dress of PR – they never go out of style and they always look good. Make sure every media brief has a section dedicated to compelling statistics that back up your key messages. Whether it's about your initiative's impact, industry trends, or just a surprising data point that makes people do a double-take, numbers add credibility faster than my credit card adds debt during online sales.

Pro tip that actually works: If you're lacking fresh data, do a quick search for top research by checking data-heavy newsletters. It's like having cheat codes for adulting.

2. SAY WHAT YOU SAID BEFORE, BUT MAKE IT INSTAGRAM-CAPTION WORTHY

Take one of your key points and give it that glow-up it deserves. It's like when you try on an outfit at home versus when you actually style it properly – same components, completely different impact. Offering a sharper, more polished soundbite gives journalists stronger quotes to work with, basically doing half their job for them. And people love when you make their jobs easier – trust me on this one.

3. MAKE YOUR NEWS RELEVANT BY CONNECTING IT TO WHAT EVERYONE'S ACTUALLY TALKING ABOUT

Nobody exists in a vacuum (except my houseplants, apparently, since they keep dying despite my best efforts). Make your news matter by connecting it to current events or trends. Whether it's an economic shift, cultural moment, or industry development, framing your message within a larger context makes it more relevant and engaging.

We need to approach media briefs with the same urgency as crafting the perfect pitch. Your executives don't have time to stay fully informed on every trending topic and Twitter debate. It's your job to be the bridge between what's happening in the world and what your spokesperson is saying – kind of like being a translator, except instead of languages, you're translating between "corporate speak" and "things people actually care about."

4. CASUALLY DROP YOUR IMPRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENTS LIKE YOU'RE NOT EVEN TRYING

Journalists don't keep a shrine to your company's accomplishments (shocking, I know). Use this moment to highlight recent wins, milestones, or upcoming initiatives that make your company look like it has its life together better than I do on any given Tuesday.

Your spokesperson could say something like, "I should mention that this launch happens to coincide with us hitting $900 million in earnings for the first time last month," or "This project comes from our new data science team – they're working on an AI tool launching next week, and we'd love to give you early access." It's like name-dropping, except instead of celebrities, you're dropping impressive corporate achievements.

5. SPREAD THE LOVE AROUND WITH SOME STRATEGIC SHOUTOUTS

A well-placed acknowledgment can work wonders. Recognize the teams, partners, or individuals who contributed to whatever you're promoting. If their names make it into the final piece, it's not just great PR – it's the kind of recognition that makes people feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Plus, their appreciation will likely last longer than that plant I just bought (giving it two weeks, tops).

BONUS TIP FOR WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS

If you're sitting in on the interview as the PR person and there truly is nothing left to add (as likely as me turning down dessert, but still theoretically possible), use the opportunity to ask if the reporter needs any assets for their piece. Many journalists are uploading their own stories into content management systems without design support – about as fun as assembling IKEA furniture while blindfolded.

Let them know you have images ready to go in whatever format works best for them. It's helpful, thoughtful, and positions you as someone who understands their needs. It's basically the PR equivalent of bringing someone coffee exactly how they like it without them having to ask.

THE BOTTOM LINE

That closing question in an interview isn't your cue to mentally check out and start planning lunch. It's a strategic opportunity to reinforce your narrative, add value to the story, and leave a lasting impression that makes both your company and your media relations strategy shine.

Your spokesperson should always have something ready – because in PR, just like in my attempts at karaoke, you need to make every second count.