It's time to learn the skill set of a professional guest. When you appear on radio and on TV you'll need to sound and act like a polished pro. You can do that with a little publicity knowledge. You want to avoid amateur mistakes, like over-promotion, and learn the interview skills to make you the media's dream guest.
Tips! Don't try to influence the producer's or journalist's original story or segment idea, even if you think you are helping. Give the media what they want. Usually these segments and stories are created by other editors or executive producers and the media you are speaking to does not have the authority to change the segment or story. They know what they want and want you to cooperate. If you have the point of view they are looking for, perfect. If not, it's best to say no to the media rather than try to persuade them to do something different from their original plan. This way, they can book the segment and move on to the next segment. Stay on target, give them what they want if what they want is in your area of expertise, and don't go off on any tangents. Stick to the script and they will come back again next time.
Never Cancel A Segment Or Appointment With The Media! Once you represent that are able for the media opportunity, please do not change your mind because the producer or journalist moves immediately to finalize the media placement on their end. If you pull out you upset the booking process you leave the producer or journalist in a tough spot. This business is built on trust so never do anything to jeopardize the trust the media has in you. When you make a commitment, stick to it, even if something comes up that you feel is more important. Your word should be worth gold in this industry!
Get ready for any pre-interviews or your interview with the media. Take the time to formulate your five talking points or conversation points so you will have your thoughts together and you are able to present them without sound uncertain or stumbling. If you "flunk" the pre-interview, yes you can do this by not sound confident, sounding boring, or no saying anything of relevance, the media will not be able to use you for the article or segment. Everything you do matters with the media. If they are not certain of your point of view, your knowledge or your ability to do the job, they have no choice but to move on to find another expert. Preparing in advance gets your thoughts together and if good for you and for your media contact.
Always make sure the media can contact you quickly. One big beginner mistake is to miss the media's call once you have made contact. The media must move quickly and being able to pick up the phone, call your cell and connect with you is imperative. So, if you are expecting a call from the media, set it up in advance that you will take the call when it comes in. Nothing is more frustrating to the media than to not be able to get in touch with their guest at critical times. Keep your cell phone on, answer it and be a great guest!
Tips! Don't try to influence the producer's or journalist's original story or segment idea, even if you think you are helping. Give the media what they want. Usually these segments and stories are created by other editors or executive producers and the media you are speaking to does not have the authority to change the segment or story. They know what they want and want you to cooperate. If you have the point of view they are looking for, perfect. If not, it's best to say no to the media rather than try to persuade them to do something different from their original plan. This way, they can book the segment and move on to the next segment. Stay on target, give them what they want if what they want is in your area of expertise, and don't go off on any tangents. Stick to the script and they will come back again next time.
Never Cancel A Segment Or Appointment With The Media! Once you represent that are able for the media opportunity, please do not change your mind because the producer or journalist moves immediately to finalize the media placement on their end. If you pull out you upset the booking process you leave the producer or journalist in a tough spot. This business is built on trust so never do anything to jeopardize the trust the media has in you. When you make a commitment, stick to it, even if something comes up that you feel is more important. Your word should be worth gold in this industry!
Get ready for any pre-interviews or your interview with the media. Take the time to formulate your five talking points or conversation points so you will have your thoughts together and you are able to present them without sound uncertain or stumbling. If you "flunk" the pre-interview, yes you can do this by not sound confident, sounding boring, or no saying anything of relevance, the media will not be able to use you for the article or segment. Everything you do matters with the media. If they are not certain of your point of view, your knowledge or your ability to do the job, they have no choice but to move on to find another expert. Preparing in advance gets your thoughts together and if good for you and for your media contact.
Always make sure the media can contact you quickly. One big beginner mistake is to miss the media's call once you have made contact. The media must move quickly and being able to pick up the phone, call your cell and connect with you is imperative. So, if you are expecting a call from the media, set it up in advance that you will take the call when it comes in. Nothing is more frustrating to the media than to not be able to get in touch with their guest at critical times. Keep your cell phone on, answer it and be a great guest!
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Get additional strategy on how be the media's dream guest. If you want publicity on TV or publicity on radio, learning the skill set of an experienced and professional guest is critical. Experience tremendous success with your publicity and promotion initiatives and you can do this by learning a professional skill set. Find out how.
