Story highlights Donald Trump gave an interview to the New York Times about his campaign's recent changes

Trump indicated he's still committed to his "freewheeling" style

(CNN) Donald Trump offered a frank assessment of his campaign's strategy for the general election, saying in an interview that "I'm finding that I do better with voters, do better in the polls, when I'm on message."

Still, Trump said, "I want to do this my way."

Trump talked Wednesday to The New York Times about his campaign's effort to hone its message for the general election after his disruptive run during the primaries. Since introducing a new leadership team on his campaign last week, Trump has given speeches (mostly) guided by a teleprompter, and has largely avoided the kind of controversies that buffeted his campaign throughout much of the summer.

In the interview, the GOP nominee candidly acknowledged the need for a coherent message, and said he recognizes the advantages of a more disciplined pitch.

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