Summary: Saying No and Setting Boundaries

1. Establish Boundaries: Assert your right to decline answering certain questions without being viewed as difficult or uncooperative.
2. Use the Pivot Technique: Skillfully redirect uncomfortable or irrelevant questions to topics you are comfortable discussing, maintaining a smooth conversational flow.
3. Handle Editing Cautiously: Be mindful of how your responses can be edited, choosing to restate boundaries confidently rather than shutting down questions entirely.
4. Stay Assertive, Not Aggressive: Maintain professionalism and confidence without being combative by clearly communicating your limits.
5. Practice Makes Perfect: Regularly practice saying no and redirecting conversations in media training to enhance your comfort and effectiveness during interviews.

In the world of media, interviews are a double-edged sword. They can be your moment to shine, connect with your audience, and tell your story—or they can veer into uncomfortable territory, leaving you feeling cornered or misrepresented. The good news? You have the right to guide the conversation, say no when needed, and still maintain a professional, engaging flow. And a little media training can help.

Yes, You Can Say No

You can establish boundaries during an interview. Saying no doesn’t make you difficult or uncooperative. In today’s world, more and more public figures are reclaiming their narrative by setting boundaries. You’re not obligated to answer every question, especially those that feel invasive or irrelevant. But the key lies in how you navigate these moments without shutting down the interview entirely.

The Power of the Pivot

When faced with a challenging or uncomfortable question, use a strategy known as the “pivot” or “bridge.” This allows you to redirect the conversation without creating friction. For example:

• If you’re asked something too personal or irrelevant, you might say: “You know, I’ve spoken about that before, but what I really want to share is…” Or “I’m sure you’re aware that I don’t talk about my relationships, but I’m used to people asking. Have you seen…   
• Highlight your latest project: “Have you had a chance to listen to my new song? It’s deeply personal, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.”
• Turn the tables and engage the interviewer: “What’s your take on how this connects to…”

By doing this, you maintain the conversational flow while steering the narrative toward topics you’re comfortable discussing.

Why It Matters

Interviews can take many forms—live, taped, or print. Even if a question feels off-base or repetitive, resist the urge to shut it down entirely. Why? Because you never know how the interview will be edited or framed in the final version. A negative response can risk being taken out of context.

Instead, confidently restate your limits. You can assert a no and seamlessly steer the conversation forward through your tone and delivery. For instance, if an interviewer continues to push, you can say: “I understand you’re curious about that, but I think it’s been covered elsewhere. So let’s talk about…” or “What motivated you to ask that question since it’s not relevant to this project? Think of each question as an opportunity to guide the conversation toward topics that truly matter to you.

Assertive, Not Aggressive

Saying no in an interview isn’t about being combative; it’s about being clear and confident. With your boundaries.

Repetition Builds Mastery

Like any skill, saying no takes practice for many people. Media training sessions are a great way to rehearse pivots and refine your delivery. The more you prepare, the more natural and confident you’ll feel in any interview setting. Think of it as rehearsing a performance: repetition helps you nail the tone, timing, and message.

Own Your Story

Ultimately, interviews are an opportunity to tell your story—the way you want it told. By setting boundaries, redirecting challenging questions, and maintaining professionalism, you can ensure that every conversation reflects the best version of you.

So, the next time you’re in the spotlight, remember you can say no. And when you do, you’re not just protecting your story—you’re owning it.

Schedule a consultation with Alison Deyette Media training.

For more media training guidance read: Soundbites That Stick and How to Master Your On-Camera Presence.

Alison Deyette, CEO of AlisonDeyetteMedia, is a seasoned media trainer and brand strategist with 20 years of experience on camera and behind the scenes. Her expertise lies in equipping a diverse clientele from executives to entrepreneurs and athletes to actors with the necessary skills and techniques to effectively navigate media interactions, enhance communication strategies, and uphold a positive public image. She’s held prominent roles in television, journalism, production, directing, and contributing to numerous successful series, segments, and brand-focused projects for TV, digital and print for companies like Amazon, TJ Maxx and The Home Depot. She appears on camera regularly for TV shows including EXTRA, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and KTLA and contributes to various publications including The Wall Street Journal, Real Simple, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.