Let's do an interview analysis.
On March 6, US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo joined CNBC's Squawk on the Street program to discuss her thoughts on the current state of US-China relations and the CHIPS act.
First, watch the interview here.
Here are three takeaways from this interview:
One: Let’s discuss the format.
CNBC means “consumer news and business channel.”
CNBC’s target viewers are considered “power brokers,” well-educated, affluent, and predominantly white and male.
According to Erdos and Morgan Custom, a CNBC viewer can be a C-Suite executive or government relations professional in a Fortune 1,000 company who is financially responsible in a corporation or area of government, respectively.
Unlike Bloomberg with its Upper East Side Manhattan vibe, CNBC is more Nassau County and Morris County, meaning it is more accessible with less stuffy financial analysis.
So Secretary Raimondo taking the interview makes sense - an ideal audience and her delivery is a good fit for the CNBC universe.
Two: Regarding questioning on the "strings attached" and the creation of social policy connected to the CHIPS act funds, I would have advised Secretary Raimondo to provide answers with more colorful examples that a listener could visualize.
Though technically sound and, I am sure, Team Biden policy adherent, her answers often came access as world salads.
I recommend painting a picture for the listener, incorporating pop culture where appropriate, and using "like" examples when discussing public policy.
Three: Before becoming the Secretary of Commerce, Raimondo was a venture capitalist and the first female to serve as Governor of Rhode Island.
She has made countless speeches and presentations, and it shows.
She comes across as confident and in control of the interview. Raimondo also uses bridging phrases and ear poppers - words that go pop and make the listener perk up and pay attention.
Here's a sample she used:
"That is flatly not correct."
"Look, this isn't a blank check."
"Every CDEO I talk to…"
"Why?"
"On time and on budget."
"Fundamentally, this is a national security program."
Overall, good stuff from Secretary Raimondo and CNBC Co-Anchor Sara Eisen.
If you need help with speaking to the press and prepping for an interview, Caracal is here to help with executive media training. Learn more here.
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
ITK Daily is geopolitical business intelligence for senior executives with global ambition.
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