Your publicist is doing a good job getting you media exposure. Before those interviews happen, you should be prepared and here's how:
*Your Objective: What is your reason for the interview? Why do you want to talk with the media? What do you want to say? How do you want to present yourself?
*Practice: Practice... Practice... Practice. Rehearse with your publicist prior to the interview. Let your publicist ask you difficult questions and discuss what you are going to say.
*Your Point: Remember to position your most important point first. Can you explain what your objectives are within 1 minute? If you are being interviewed on TV or radio, remember that they are looking for sound bites. Cut your main message down to 10 seconds.
*Watch Your Non-verbal Communications: Relax and enjoy the interview. You are the expert. Try not to do anything that makes you seem nervous, i.e. biting your nails, changing your position in your chair, etc. Also, watch your tone of voice. For example, someone who is monotone will be perceived as lacking confidence.
* Watch Your Verbal Communications: Be energetic, enthusiastic and direct. Feel confident and this will come across in your words and actions.
* Questions: If the interviewer has a difficult question for you, stop. Think about it for a moment then answer. Organize your thoughts and present the answer in the best possible way.
*Speak Slow: When you are nervous you tend to speak quickly. Slow down. You will be easier to comprehend.
* Talk to the Reporter: If you are a guest on a talk show and there are people in the audience, direct your answers to the one who is asking you the questions.
*Repeat Your Main Point Often: If you have something to say, and want to get it across to your audience, say it often. (In the product publicity world, we recommend saying the name of the product as often as possible.)
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