“I’m not sure if my Welsh is good enough”. It’s a common sentiment among people asked to do broadcast media interviews – generally those who don’t speak it as a first language. But I know from my media training sessions that with the right approach, you can get your messages across clearly and confidently. If you or a colleague aren’t always confident speaking Welsh in these situations, here are some tips…
1. Plan and set expectations
A general rule for all interviews: only do it if you’re confident that you can perform well and it will be beneficial to take part.
You should always check details of the interview request and negotiate if needed (for example on the time, location, areas of questioning, pre-record vs live).
We may need to factor Welsh-language ability into this line of thinking. Think about:
- Who is the right person to do this interview?
- Do they have the right language skills to do it well?
- Can we / should we adapt the interview to account for their level of Welsh?
This is most relevant for Welsh learners or those less confident in the language. For instance, a learner might not yet have reached the standard needed for a long and challenging interview, but they may be able to provide a short pre-recorded soundbite on a topic with which they are familiar.
Welsh-language journalists are usually flexible and supportive when it comes to different levels of language ability or confidence. Don’t be afraid to discuss these issues with them.
2. Use the Welsh you already have
A common way in which I see people struggle with Welsh-language interviews is when they get tied up in knots, trying to match the style of reports or press releases originally written in English.
Focus on words and phrases that come naturally to you, rather than struggling to use formal or technical terms or an unfamiliar dialect.
That doesn’t mean going completely ‘off-message’ – it’s about working out how you explain your campaigns or policy positions in natural, everyday Welsh.
You won’t normally have time to become familiar with lots of new words before the interview. So simplify your language (and it’s good practice to avoid technical terms anyway) or use the English word if you need to.
If you’re struggling with a word, ask yourself: will the viewers/listeners understand it anyway?
If you’re a Welsh learner, you’ll probably sound better using the words and patterns you’re already confident with. So adapt your messages to fit that, rather than stretching yourself for the interview.
3. Build your skills
Doing media interviews well takes practice. That might be even more important for Welsh-language interviews, because you might use Cymraeg more often in non-work settings.
Look for opportunities to develop your skills. That’s not just about traditional media interviews that you feel ready to take on, as important as that is. Ask yourself if there are other ways you can build your confidence (depending on your skill level), such as:
- Social media videos
- Being a guest on a podcast
- Doing an interview for student journalists
- Putting yourself forward to do the newspaper review on BBC Radio Cymru
Can you also find ways to speak Welsh more often in work, so you feel more confident talking about those topics in the language?
Further support: bilingual media training
Media training is essential for any organisation. It’ll help you get the most out of your interviews and protect your reputation.
I run tailored, bilingual media training sessions in Welsh and/or English for charities, public sector and non-profit organisations in Cardiff and throughout Wales. Get in touch for more information or request a quote.