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Summary:
Adopt these three strategies to help you prepare for your next media appearance: meditation, imitating skilled practitioners, and visualization. Meditation helps calm the mind and regulate emotions, reducing anxiety. Imitating experts and practicing regularly enhanced my skills and can do the same for you. Visualizing success with emotion and senses is crucial for effective preparation. The combined use of these strategies can benefit anyone facing challenging situations, such as media appearances.
Media Training Mind-Set Strategies to Become a Media SensationI was a nervous wreck.
I had been training for my 3rd Kyu Aikido (Japanese Martial Arts) test for about 9 months now. I had to memorize all the Japanese names of techniques. I had to know how to perform them when they are called out on the mat in front of all the students. And, worst of all – there is no talking. Just movement. And that scared the bejesus out of me.
I’m a verbal person and I figure I can get out of anything with the right words. I’ve done this many time in speeches, on the street to fend off an attacker, and during media appearances on TV, radio and print. But in Aikido, no go. The body does the talking. And mine is an awkward introvert.
I needed a way to cope.
So I set my mind to do three strategies to blaze through my test. You can use these strategies when you have an upcoming media appearance, meeting, speech, or any encounter that gives you the shakes.
By the way I’m now a black belt.
1. Meditate.Meditation helps clear the mind and make space for, well, nothingness. It can help you get more adept at regulating your emotions and has the potential to decrease anxiety. It doesn’t matter what kind of meditation you do. Whether it’s just breathing in white light and out black smoke, or following your breath or, as Thich Nhat Hanh recommends, (one of my favorites) to sit quietly and smile.
For people with super busy minds (hello) you can do walking meditation, just feeling your feet on the ground, the sun on your face, the air in your lungs. Even doing this for five minutes a day can produce a kind of lasting peace inside in the moment, and also, a profound sense of calm over time.
Recent studies highlighted by sources such as Harvard Business Review reveal that meditation is particularly beneficial for CEOs and leaders. It has been shown to reduce anxiety, calm the amygdala, and increase the ability to think creatively and empathetically. Leaders who adopt meditation practices report enhanced decision-making abilities, improved focus, and a greater sense of well-being. For instance, Steve Jobs, an early adaptor of meditation, described his experience as enabling him to “see things more clearly and be in the present more.” These findings underscore the importance of incorporating meditation into leadership routines for sustained success and mental clarity.
I recommend some form of meditation to all my clients as it can help you get more adept at regulating your emotions and has the potential to decrease anxiety.
Given that even experienced media guests can feel anxious or unsettled the cumulative effects of meditation can take the edge off of almost any interaction.
Any practice done consistently will change you, sometimes in small ways, sometimes in large. There’s often a big loud tipping point, but frequently just a subtle shift. That’s the beauty and surprise of practice.
Practice makes constant improvement. Sometimes it can change you in a small or a big way. So practice consistently for your next media appearance. #growthhack #leader
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2. Imitate great examples.For my aikido test I’m watching Hans Goto, my sensei or teacher, do every single technique that’s on my test on a video. And that’s because passive exposure makes the brain more able to learn that skill. I play it in slow motion. I stop and start it. Then I get on the kitchen floor rug and imitate him as best as I can. I klutz my way through, over and over again. I go to practice several times a week so I’m in constant training mode.
Then I ask different black belts in my dojo to do one technique with me, taking me through the details. I train every Sunday for two hours with Maria, a black belt who is always ready with a laugh – and who is brutally honest with me. She does a technique on me to show me the correct way to do it and then I try it. I watch other videos that show the technique from different angles so I can understand the mechanics better. Aikido is about angles and leverage – kind of like almost everything, right?
For media appearances find excellent examples and then get a sound bite buddy, or anyone for that matter, and practice different scenarios with your buddy. Try your excellent example’s voice tone on. Try the rhythms of their sentences. Try the format they use to frame their information. Try on their body language to see what it feels like. Sit like them. Hold your head like they do. Mimic their hand gestures and facial expressions.
You can learn a lot by exact imitation. Embody their best qualities. You’ll begin to discover how it makes you think differently. Experiment. It’s only through the doing of it that it gets ingrained. And remember it takes 3000 repetitions to ingrain a habit and 10,000 repetitions with constant iteration to master it. So be patient with yourself.
Just like in martial arts, find someone to emulate when considering how to approach your next media appearance. #martialarts #aikido
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3. Visualize what you want with feeling.Writer Mary Carr said something like, My mind is like a street in a bad neighborhood. You don’t want to go down it. Mine too. It’s full of worst-case scenarios, mishaps, and things gone horribly awry. When you visualize, don’t just “see” what you want. Include the emotions and body sense. And don’t worry about getting it perfect.
In Aikido, for Koshinage, a technique where you have to flip your opponent off your back while making sure that they can do a high fall and land properly, I envisioned throwing Maria, my uke (attacker) on her head, breaking her neck. Yikes.
But that’s OK. That’s part of practice and training. So I just noticed that, and tried it again. If I visualize the negative again, I just let it go and try again. Or I move on to another technique that I know and can see me doing it well with elegance and grace. Then, perhaps a few minutes later I attempt to see Koshinage throwing Maria safely.
Visualization is almost as good as the real thing and is even more impactful when you include all of your senses. So, practice getting the felt sense of what you want to happen. Put yourself in the scene. If it’s a TV show get a clear picture of the set, the lights hot on your face, the glass of water on the table, sitting knee to knee with the host, answering questions smoothly with the sound bites you’ve prepared that tune into what you audience most needs to know.
Use visualization to help you prepare for your next media appearance? Are you on the best TV show? Or on the hippest podcast? Visualization is almost as good as the real thing. #visualization #visualizationforsuccess
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See it, experience the emotion of it, and then see the result of your efforts. For media appearances it might be your phone ringing off the hook or your email box filling up with shopping cart orders. You might imagine another TV producer calling you to be an expert on their show. You might see yourself having coffee with someone who you admire who called you up after they saw you on that program.
I’ve set myself up on a little program that I know that I can do. I’m doing all three of the practices I’ve outlined daily for three weeks before my test.
But guess what?
Have I done all three daily?
No. But I make sure to do at least one of them. Some days are better than others. Still I hold my deepest intention in my mind of the ideal day and I keep in mind the big picture of what I want to accomplish for my Aikido test – to have fun, own the room, to do the techniques to the best of my ability, to keep moving and do something even if it’s not the right technique, and to stay steady and present in the moment no matter what. Oh, and to infuse my spirit with joy.
I’d love to hear about a practice you’re doing….
Zen of FameSubscribeFree ConsultCheck out our PR and Media Training Workshop to Jumpstart your Publicity
The post 3 Crucial Mind-Set Strategies to Become a Media Sensation first appeared on Susan Harrow.The post 3 Crucial Mind-Set Strategies to Become a Media Sensation appeared first on Susan Harrow.
SUMMARY: Master media interviews with these 10 top techniques: redirect questions, leverage statistics, and use humor. Craft concise sound bites (key messages) and anticipate challenges to maintain control. Employ strategic responses to sensitive queries, leaving a positive impression. Whether discussing controversy or promoting work, these techniques amplify impact.
Table of contents: * 10 Top Media Training Techniques That Work Everytime—and in a Pinch + Media Training Technique #1. When asked a question that doesn't pertain to your topic… + Media Training Technique #2. When asked a question for which you don't have a clear answer… + Media Training Technique #3. When asked a question that is too general… + Media Training Technique #4. When asked a question that could provoke controversy… + Media Training Technique #5. When asked a question you don't want to delve into deeply… + Media Training Technique #6. When asked an embarrassing or inappropriate question… + Media Training Technique #7. When asked a question that is too personal… + Media Training Technique #8. When an interview is lagging… + Media Training Technique #9. When you're pressed on a sensitive point… + Media Training Technique #10. When you haven't been asked something you want to cover… 10 Top Media Training Techniques That Work Everytime—and in a PinchTallulah Bankhead described working on television as “like being shot out of a cannon. They cram you all up with rehearsals, then someone lights a fuse and-BANG-there you are in someone’s living room.” To be ready for your time to shoot out of the cannon, take the time to thoroughly prepare your ideas and sound bites. Television, radio, print and podcast interviewers are often focused on presenting a lively, entertaining program—not on promoting you or your products. Honing your conversational skills is essential to your media training practice to include a repertoire of key phrases will keep interest focused on you and the points you want to convey.
Media Training Technique #1. When asked a question that doesn’t pertain to your topic…Sharing information with the audience you know is fascinating makes the media interview move at a swift pace while making the interviewer appear as if he’s doing an excellent job. For example say, “What most people want to know is….” Or, “What many people ask me about is….” Or, “What people find most surprising/useful/ entertaining is….”
Media Training Technique #2. When asked a question for which you don’t have a clear answer…Stay within your area of expertise and reinforce the impression that you are knowledgeable in your field. You might say, “I don’t know about that, and what I do know is….which I discuss in…(name of presentation, book, article, brochure, report etc.).”
One participant in my Zen of Fame™ course who was being considered for a large, nationwide government project, told me that this saved her skin. She said, “I was on a Google Hangouts interview and I was nervous and a little choppy at the beginning. One of the questions I didn’t have the answer to, but I remembered to quickly go on to the phrase you taught us during media training, ‘What I can tell you is….’ So there was no break in the flow.”
Media Training Technique #3. When asked a question that is too general…Ask yourself a specific question and then answer it. You might say, “I sometimes wonder how I could have written/said….” Then launch into a story, anecdote, or epiphany.
Media Training Technique #4. When asked a question that could provoke controversy…Jean-Paul Sartre said, “Words are loaded pistols.” You can use word’s explosive power in your favor by learning how to soften your introduction before delivering controversial ideas. Former President Clinton used this technique when he was talking about sensitive issues such as abortion during media appearances. It’s a way of acknowledging a difficult issue or position while respecting your critics’ or opponents’ ideas.
Also, by mentioning an opposing view, you automatically diffuse it. Examples, “People who disagree with me might say….” Or, “Other people who have opposing ideas may say…but I believe…for these reasons….” Or, “What I’m about to say may make a number of people angry….” A Gaelic proverb states, “If you want an audience, start a fight.”
Mention an opposing view with equanimity and an even tone when talking about a controversial topic to respect your opponent’s ideas + get your point across.
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Media Training Technique #5. When asked a question you don’t want to delve into deeply…State facts, statistics or quote an expert or prestigious journal during panels, presentations or media interview, which has information relevant to your point. Surrounding yourself with other experts or organizations whose statistics or studies agree with your perspective or research creates a fortress of facts that support your views.
For my client, Dr. Lionel Bissoon, considered the foremost expert in Mesotherapy in America, this fact proved useful as a sound bite in his media interviews. What made this statistic more powerful is that during our media training sessions we connected it with the solution, Mesotherapy (which Dr. Bissoon is credited for bringing from France to the U.S.): 150 million (90%) U.S. women have cellulite and there is only one known cure: Mesotherapy. Mesotherapy is the only known medical treatment for cellulite that has definitive lasting effects.
Remember, you are in charge of how you are presented to the public. Even when caught off guard, take a deep breath, reflect, and then say something that people will remember.
Media Training Technique #6. When asked an embarrassing or inappropriate question…Reframe the question by beginning with, “What I felt was….” Then focus attention on a broader social issue or expand it to encompass what many people might feel. One of my clients who had been raped by a prominent sports attorney, and who wanted to bring attention to the fact that many women in business just like her have also been raped in similar circumstances, was asked by an interviewer: “Did you feel dirty, unlovable, ashamed?”
Instead of answering, “Yes,” during media interviews, she responded, “Many women, whether they’ve been raped or not, have been made to feel that way about their bodies or sexuality at some point in their lives. That’s why I’ve chosen to speak out on this sensitive issue now. To give a voice to all of us, even those who have no voice.”
Media Training Technique #7. When asked a question that is too personal…Use humor to lighten the atmosphere. Change the nature of the question gracefully by saying, “What I’d really like to say is….” Or, “The question I’d really like to answer is….” Or, “In my book (give title) I say….” You can also say, “I’d like to keep that part of my life private, but I would like to share this….” Then offer something else delicious and intimate.
Media Training Technique #8. When an interview is lagging…Ask to read a passage from your book or describe your service with a tightly condensed and powerful phrase. You will have already chosen in advance a paragraph or two during your media training sessions that is particularly exemplary. Don’t feel shy about offering. Most interviewers are so busy they may not have had a chance to review or even peruse your book or the information you’ve provided. You are the person most familiar with your book, personality or business and the best parts of it!
When she was being interviewed for her book, Some of Me, Isabella Rossellini delighted her audience by picking an imaginative and lively section which she read with feeling.
Media Training Technique #9. When you’re pressed on a sensitive point…When Terry Gross pressed Chuck D, leader of the rap group Public Enemy, about one of the members of his group making anti-Semitic remarks, he answered vaguely a number of times and then said bluntly, “Let’s move on,” which made him appear rude.
Instead, I would have recommended saying, “I’ve really said all I can say about this. Can we go on to the next question?” Or, “I’ve really answered this to the best of my knowledge at this time with the information I have available.”
Another way to handle persistent questions on a topic you wish to avoid is to give a series of very short responses or answer them with information that is so charming or captivating the interviewer won’t notice you’ve deviated from his/her request. The interviewer will then feel as if his/her questions have been answered satisfactorily without being embarrassed by not being able to elicit a direct response from you.
What do you do when you are pressed on a sensitive point in a media appearance? Go here for these two phrases to handle the situation graciously.
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Media Training Technique #10. When you haven’t been asked something you want to cover…Offer to share something the interviewer hasn’t thought of. Most often they will greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness. Use a teaser tidbit. “I could tell you about…if you’d like.”
It may surprise you but people rarely remember the questions an interviewer poses. What they remember are your answers. And when they no longer remember your answers they remember the feeling they received when hearing you speak. It’s up to you to leave them with the feeling you want them to have, no matter what the topic, tone or personality of the interviewer or interview.
Oscar Wilde said, “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” Let your last words be this small act. You never know who you will reach with your kindness.
Now, about you and your offering…Would you like to give media interviews without selling your soul? I invite you to join our The Zen of Fame: Your Genius Gone Viral™ course that includes media training and creating a content messaging strategy including various proven (natural and organic) sound bite formulas that work every time so you’ll get quoted, featured and profiled while being positioned the way you want. You’ll also get strategies to turn every media appearance into an opportunity to gracefully drive business and sales while being a great guest.
Zen of FameSubscribeFree ConsultCheck out our PR and Media Training Workshop to Jumpstart your Publicity
The post 10 Top Media Training Techniques That Work in a Pinch first appeared on Susan Harrow.The post 10 Top Media Training Techniques That Work in a Pinch appeared first on Susan Harrow.
SUMMARY: In today’s fast-paced world, captivating media interviews rely on concise, memorable sound bites. Crafting these messages is critical for entrepreneurs to connect with their audience effectively. Preparation is key to making a quick, impactful connection, whether in a formal interview, podcast or casual encounter in line for coffee. Sound bites distill complex messages into digestible nuggets, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. With practice and guidance, entrepreneurs can master the art of sound bites and elevate their media presence significantly.
Table of contents: * Soundbites: 8 Things You Need to Know for Your Next Media Interview. + Don't Be Like This Client. + Sound Bites Are Memorable But Concise. + Perfection Needs Practice. + Sound Bites Create Your Story. + It Takes Time, But It's Worth the Effort. Soundbites: 8 Things You Need to Know for Your Next Media Interview.If you think sound bites, talking points, or critical messages for media interviews are just for the salesy, sleazy, or slick, you’re not seeing the big picture. Every captivating interview has them.
In today’s hurry-scurry world, attention spans are the size of a tweet. Your key messages, in the form of sound bites, can make or break an interview, a deal, a sale, and even a seemingly meaningless casual encounter. In order to be on the cutting edge, or even just to be competitive, entrepreneurs and founders need to have a sound bite ready for every opportunity.
Once you are prepared, you can make a connection anywhere, with anyone, at any time. A connection that could result in life-changing shift. Whether you have a business, book, product, service or cause, sound bites are the key to making a quick connection.
Whether you have a business, book, product, service or cause, sound bites are the key to making a quick connection with your audience.
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Don’t Be Like This Client.I was reminded of the importance of being pithy for media interviews on a recent call with an author who became a client. She blithered on and on in her emails, writing me several detailed pages before we even set up an appointment to see if we were a match. Bad strategy. I took her on because she really has something to say to the world — she just takes way too long to say it. That’s why she hired me.
On our initial call, I had to repeatedly wrangle her so I could discover what her book was about. It wasn’t easy or fun. This is something that I should have been able to discover in 20 seconds. She’s about to embark on a book tour so we have much work to do before her book publishes.
Sound Bites Are Memorable But Concise.Your audience wants to have a good time with you during media interviews. Not struggle to understand what you’re trying to say.
It’s your job to deliver only the information that they need to know at that instant. And deliver it in a concise, memorable, entertaining, and elegant way.
This video is a moving example of why words matter.
Being able to get to the essentials of who you are is critical. Your audience wants to know why you do what you do, what your business is about, and what matters to you.
Perfection Needs Practice.To whittle your words into sound bites, your key message take-aways — takes practice.
Lots of it.
But once you master this kind of messaging strategy — where your talking points ring the bell of universal truths — you can use it across all mediums. From your social networks to media interviews, to a chat in line to get the latest iPhone.
The problem isn’t that entrepreneurs and founders don’t have plenty to say — it’s that they have too much. And they have no idea how to organize their thoughts or content into tightly crafted meaningful messages that leave their audiences longing for more.
It’s like taking Tolstoy’s War and Peace and turning it into Haiku.
It’s a huge task; one that is best done with a sound bite buddy or media coach.
Struggle with putting what you do into words? Find 8 great templates for #entrepreneurs #founders #leaders in this post.
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Sound Bites Create Your Story.To get into the habit of speaking in sound bites before networking events, meetings, media interviews, job interviews or spontaneous interaction in the proverbial elevator, I suggest that you create at least six sound bites using the following formulas.
1. The origin story: My client, Kristen Scheurlein, Founder of Affirmagy, left a multi-million-dollar business as a graphic designer to become what she calls The Blanket Lady.
What is your origin or signature story? What stories do your sound bites tell your audience about you?
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“I didn’t want to become an entrepreneur, but it’s in my blood. My grandfather was a shoemaker. In the Depression, he saw that many people couldn’t afford shoes. He traded chickens for shoes to make sure that none of the children in the village went shoeless. I didn’t realize that I was following in his footsteps when I began my business, which will become a complete non-profit in five years, but I am. We give away blankets to churches, charities, homeless. In essence, I’m trading chickens for shoes.”
Create your signature story using this easy template.
2. Statistics connected to your book or business: Self-employed people, whose numbers continue to grow, have almost doubled since 1980 to over 16 million. One of the biggest challenges of the self-employed is the lack of structure and accountability to follow through on important tasks. Many complain that they feel like they are “all alone” in their business lives.
The book Extreme Success by Rich Fettke gives self-employed people ways to develop the support they need and proven strategies to stay focused and effective on their most important goals.
3. Fact: More than 20 million Americans have been diagnosed with thyroid disease, and another 13 million people are estimated to have undiagnosed thyroid problems in the U.S. alone.
4. Vignette: An anchorman and reporter at CBS spoke at 300 words per minute while the typical person speaks 125-140. The practice of Transformational Speaking taught him to take time, to pause. For the first time in his life, his evaluations as a professional speaker said things like, “Thank you for giving me time to think.” He said, “I don’t beat up my audiences with facts anymore.’
5. Anecdote: Chuck Barris, creator of The Dating Game, The Newlywed Game, The Gong Show and more, said that people were always eating while watching TV. His mission for the shows became the motto: stop a fork. “I always told my staff, if we could stop a fork… midway from the bowl to the mouth, then we had done something right, we had just created a moment that was O.K.. That was the slogan that we carried around the company. Stop a fork.”
6. Analogy: “Bangs are the new Botox.” Becky de la Rosa, Hairdresser
7. Aphorism: “Language is the dress of thought; every time you talk your mind is on parade.” Dr Samuel Johnson
8. Acronym: M.A.D.D. Mothers against drunk driving
It Takes Time, But It’s Worth the Effort. Through training and practice, you move these key phrases you’ve created into the conversations you have. At networking events, with potential clients, buyers of your products or services, the media. Anyone who you want to experience of who you are and what your business is about. It’s important to be prepared for any personal and professional opportunity that comes your way. This can happen anywhere at any time.
Case in point. While one of the participants in my The Zen of Fame: Your Genius Gone Viral® course was waiting in line to buy an iPad 2, she sold over 250 books from the trunk of her car and closed a speaking engagement worth thousands of dollars. How? By speaking in sound bites in casual conversation.
You too can master speaking in sound bites to engage your ideal audience to buy your book, build your business, engage your services, get involved with your cause, and, most importantly, create a lasting connection during media interviews.
Want to know what to do when the media calls? Hop on over to this webinar to learn the secrets of media stars. (Everyday people just like you who have learned how to do it right and got astounding results during their media interviews).
Zen of FameSubscribeFree ConsultThe post Sound Bites: 8 Things You Need to Know for Your Next Media Interview first appeared on Susan Harrow.The post Sound Bites: 8 Things You Need to Know for Your Next Media Interview appeared first on Susan Harrow.
SUMMARY: Are you struggling to get featured in the media? It might be your attitude holding you back. Discover 7 harmful attitudes blocking your path to publicity success, from body image concerns to feeling ordinary. Learn from role models like Oprah and Anne Hathaway, who embrace authenticity. Remember, being yourself is key to media success. Ready to change your mindset? Start here.
Table of contents: * 7 Harmful Attitudes Blocking You From Getting Featured in the Media and Getting Great Publicity + Get Publicity the Right Way so it Works. + Harmful Publicity Attitude #1. + Harmful Publicity Attitude #2. + Harmful Publicity Attitude #3. + Harmful Publicity Attitude #4. + Harmful Publicity Attitude #5. + Harmful Publicity Attitude #6. + Harmful Publicity Attitude #7. + Relax. 7 Harmful Attitudes Blocking You From Getting Featured in the Media and Getting Great PublicityNot getting featured in the media?
Feeling tons of “resistance” whenever you sit down to work on your press kit, pitch or press release?
Can’t seem to “crack the code” on how to get top bloggers, journalists, editors podcasters, and producers to pay attention to your work?
Frustrated that your replies to HARO and other PR services and don’t get any response?
Feel like, deep down, you “know” what you ought to be doing to take your visibility to the next level… except for some reason, you’re not doing it?
Over the past 34 years of my career, I’ve spent over 150,000 hours (that’s a very conservative estimate) training entrepreneurs, authors, founders, speakers, consultants and coaches to help them get featured in the media and then use that exposure to double or triple their business and increase awareness and loyalty to their brand.
Get Publicity the Right Way so it Works.I always ask my clients, “Why are you having trouble getting press for your business?” One client said she had done literally hundreds of radio shows, with few results, and had no idea what she was doing wrong. Many other clients have similar stories. Those are the ones that say that “publicity doesn’t work.”
Just as typically my clients tend to point towards something “external” (like: “My press releases doesn’t really represent what we do” or: “My website looks dated.”)
Fair enough. I agree: having all of your materials looking professional is very important. Your presence and what you say when you’re in the spotlight is too.
But in my experience? If you’re consistently struggling to get your business, book, product, service, cause or mission in the media, or your media appearances just don’t have much of an effect, the source of your “blockage” usually boils down to one thing:
Your attitude.
Your attitude stinks! Could that be what’s holding you back from getting major media?
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In other words: What you BELIEVE about yourself and your ability to serve.
This may sound harsh, but it’s actually a very empowering thing to realize. Because once you’ve identified the harmful attitude that is holding you back, you can take steps to resolve it. Hopefully: once and for all.
Think your attitude is just fine, thank you very much? That may be true.
But it never hurts to do a little self-exploration.
Read on and see if any of the following 7 attitudes sound a bit like… you.
Harmful Publicity Attitude #1.“I’m too fat to be on TV or get publicity. Maybe if I lose 20 pounds first…”
Why you need to change your ‘tude:
It’s been reported that 97% of women have at least one “I hate my body” moment, per day.
Imagine if every woman who thought to herself, “Ugh, I don’t like how I look” allowed those thoughts to STOP her from seeking media opportunities. We would literally have almost ZERO women appearing in the media. What a dismal world that would be!
Harmful weight-related attitudes aren’t just for women, of course. Men can — and do — think these kinds of thoughts, too, but generally, they don’t let that hold them back.
If you feel that you need to drop some weight, for your overall health, go for it. But in the meantime, don’t let “size shame” halt your progress. Not everyone who appears in the media needs to be a rail-thin supermodel. There’s room for all kinds of ideas, personalities and sizes.
Have you thought this: I’m too fat to go on TV? Don’t let that hold you back.
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Your media role model:
Oprah, of course.
She has publicly battled with her weight for decades. Even at her absolute lowest weight, she wore a size 10! Now with the help of Ozempic or the equivalent, she’s shrinking again. Yet at any poundage she’s perfectly comfortable talking about health, happiness, well-being, and “living your best life” — in front of international audiences. People respect her opinions, completely. If she can do it, why not you?
Harmful Publicity Attitude #2.“I’m so boring! My life has been relatively comfortable and easy. I haven’t overcome an extreme adversity, don’t have a rags to riches story, or anything ‘gritty’ to share.”
Why you need to change your ‘tude:
Not everything in the media needs to be “gritty,” “caustic,” “violent” or “dramatic.” And we’ve certainly had our fill of rags to riches stories, haven’t we? You don’t need to have become homeless and lived under a bridge, eaten from garbage cans or been swindled out of a fortune by your business partner to get media coverage.
In fact, I would argue that today’s audiences are so bombarded with “drama” that they are delighted for an escape from the madness. (There’s a reason why compilations of viral videos like this one are so popular.)
You don’t need to be rude, crude or rough around the edges in order to get booked in the media. You just need to be yourself.
If the “real you” is a positive person who was blessed with wonderful parents and a joyful childhood, so be it. You still have ideas, tips, strategies and stories to share, you can still be entertaining, you can still be insightful and you can still help people to lead better lives. Suffering is not a prerequisite for service.
As my friend Alex puts it, you don’t necessarily have to “overcome adversity in order to know stuff.”
Your media role model:
Kelly Clarkson
Kelly has built a huge media platform anchored on “traditional values” like kindness and compassion. She consciously steers away from gritty or violent topics. The description of her show is: Singer Kelly Clarkson offers heartwarming stories, live musical performances, games and surprises.
She’s known for delivering audiences a daily dose of positivity — complete with local heroes who are doing great things in their community. That’s who she is and what she does best.
If you are the “Kelly” of your industry, embrace it! Don’t try to change yourself for the spotlight. You will feel awkward, uncomfortable, and struggle to successfully make the “point” that you’re there to make — and audiences will be feeling uncomfortable, right along with you.
Just be you. “You” is what works.
Harmful Publicity Attitude #3. “All of this media preparation stuff — like setting up my website or meeting planner page — is too hard! I’m terrible with technology.”
Why you need to change your ‘tude:
To quote the folks at this design firm: “If Google can’t find it, it doesn’t exist.”
That’s the reality of our world today.
If you are unwilling to set up a website, participate in social media, and create materials that are quickly searchable (and findable) online — like a backlog of recent press releases stored on your site — or a press kit — you are going to have a tough time getting the kind of media coverage you want. Especially since Google is the number one tool the media use to find sources.
Terrified of tech? Not Betty White. Follow her lead.
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Your media role model:
Betty White.
Even at age 99 this actress, activist and product spokeswoman had a vibrant Twitter presence and showed no signs of slowing down with her career, despite her age—until her death.
Her manager joked, “Betty and I have an understanding. I have told her that I have already booked her when she turns 100 and there is no out clause. Betty never backs out of a date.”
Another role model for you:
Theresa Reed.
As a professional Tarot card reader who has been reading cards — full time — for over 25 years, Theresa has a steady stream of “regulars” and could certainly opt to “rest on her laurels.” But that’s not her style.
She is constantly learning new tools, upgrading her website, and experimenting with new ways to connect with audiences around the world (including starting three of her own podcasts). She firmly believes that all business owners need to be tech-savvy, and she even mentors “tech-phobic” entrepreneurs to help them grasp the basics.
Theresa is regularly a go-to expert on Tarot, astrology and spirituality blogs, podcasts and magazines. The secret to her success? Well, as she put it — while talking to a friend of mine — “I ain’t no stale hippie.”
Harmful Publicity Attitude #4.“I’m not the world’s most credible expert on this topic. Other people are much more experienced and authoritative than me.”
Why you need to change your ‘tude:
There will always be people who are more highly credentialed than you are. That’s a fact.
“Comparing and despairing” when you size yourself up to your competitors is very counter-productive.
Don’t compare and despair when your competitors appear on TV, podcasts, Lives or radio
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Yes, of course, there are people who might have more degrees, certifications or years of experience than you. But that doesn’t detract from your ability to serve your audience in your way, right now.
The real question is this: Do you have something to share — right now, today — that could help a fellow human solve a problem, get inspired, or lead a better life?
If so, then you’ve got the most important “credential” of all: something of VALUE to share.
Your media role model:
Gabby Bernstein.
Gabby is one of the world’s most sought-after media commentators in the realm of personal growth and spirituality.
Does she have a PhD in psychology? Nope. (She actually studied “theater” at college). Is she a Nobel Peace Prize winner like The Dalai Lama? Nope. Has she published formal, academic research papers? Nope. Has any of that ever stopped her from pursuing opportunities to write, appear, and get interviewed in the media? NOPE.
She has personal stories to share and insights that she knows will help people.
And share she does. With videos, audios, TED talks, lectures, meditations, courses, books, products, and a podcast, a spirit junkie app, and stuff she loves. And if that’s not enough you can enroll in the “Get More Gabby” subscription service. Phew!
Harmful Publicity Attitude #5.“I just don’t have time for all this stuff! Between running my business, taking care of my clients/customers, and dealing with my family… I don’t have a minute to write press releases, build relationships with journalists, maintain my website, and… ugh!”
Why you need to change your ‘tude:
Life is unquestionably busy. As a business owner, there will always be “something” pulling at your attention.
But if you want to grow to the next level, serve wider audiences, and sell more of your books, products, courses and services (without spending money on advertising), then getting featured in the media needs to be part of your plan.
As Stephen R. Covey, author of the bestselling book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People said, “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
If getting media coverage is a priority for you (and it should be!) then it must be treated as just that: a priority.
This may mean shutting down lower-priority projects for the time being or learning how to delegate more effectively. (If you’re struggling to stay focused on the action steps that really count, this training program can help you stay on track.)
Your media role model:
President Obama.
As president he was arguably THE busiest man on planet earth — with an unthinkable level of stress resting upon his shoulders.
Yet he still created the time to write guest articles for The Huffington Post, contribute exclusive interviews to People magazine, occasionally, even tweet personal notes to his followers, and appear on TV talk shows to discuss his latest thoughts on basketball or a new bill in Congress.
Did he have a team supporting him? Of course. The point, here, is that Obama recognized the importance of making media coverage a top priority. It’s not something to ignore or neglect. It’s vital to his success as a thought leader.
Harmful Publicity Attitude #6.“I’ve never been good at public speaking. It’s just not my thing. I’m going to freeze, blush, giggle, burp, sweat, snort, forget my ‘lines’ and mess this up… somehow. I just know it.”
Why you need to change your ‘tude:
No one wants to watch a “perfect robot” on the air or listen to a “slick and polished” presentation. If you go “off script” during a media appearance, it can often work in your favor. Little flubs can be endearing and humanizing.
This is something I talk about a lot in one of my media training programs, The Zen of Fame. If you’ve got your sound bites down pat — meaning: you’ve chosen a couple of key messages that you really, really want your media audience to remember and “take home” — then it’s pretty tough to mess anything up. Just stick to your sound bites and allow yourself to relax. If you’re too slick? We want to topple you off that perfect pedestal. Be yourself. Quirks, nerves, sweats, burbs and all.
Your media role model:
Anne Hathaway.
While appearing on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart to promote her film at the time — which she produced and starred in — Anne lost her composure and began laughing hysterically. Why? Because the plot of the movie (which deals with a coma victim) is so dreadfully, horrendously sad, it was actually… kind of funny.
Rather than sitting back in horror, fans LOVED it. Multiple media platforms (Vanity Fair, E! Online, US Magazine) shared the now-legendary giggle-clip, using words like “charming” and “adorable” and “utterly endearing” to describe it!
As one journalist put it: “This feels real candid. I don’t know if Anne Hathaway has ever been so likable. This is how you sell a movie, even when it’s a coma movie.”
Harmful Publicity Attitude #7.“I don’t deserve to be featured in the media. I’m ordinary. I’m not special.”
Why you need to change your ‘tude:
Let me ask you this:
Has an “ordinary” person ever given you a piece of advice that made your entire week better?
Has an “ordinary” person ever shared a resource with you that saved you tons of time or brought you hours of delight?
Has an “ordinary” friend, colleague or family member ever said something that motivated you to change an unhealthy habit and improve your life?
“Ordinary” people have the power to serve, educate, inform and inspire, just as much as rich, famous “celebrities” or “authorities” do.
If you have something of value to share — whether it’s a product, service, book, mission, cause, or day-changing tip, tool or idea — then you deserve to be in the media.
The brilliant Marianne Williamson had it right when said, “We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.”
Your media role model:
This “ordinary” mom from Sumter, South Carolina.
She recorded a video of herself singing her baby to sleep and spontaneously posted it online. When she woke up the next morning, her video had gone viral. After a radio station shared it on Facebook, it got 4 million views. TV stations started calling. She was featured on Good Morning America and the host said that this could be the big break she’s been waiting for to become a singer. This mom became — literally! — an overnight sensation.
Her voice is very pretty, yes, but the real reason that her video touched the hearts of millions of people is that… she is ordinary and heartfelt. There was no artifice in her singing. Just a mom, home, in a dimly lit room, rocking her baby to sleep, singing as if no one was watching.
Moral of the story?
Your “ordinary-ness” can be THE quality that makes you appealing to the media and to audiences, worldwide.
“Ordinary” is not the same as “boring.” You can be totally un-flashy and still wow audiences with your ideas, stories and talents.
Musician Sam Smith who has won five Grammy awards said, “I just want to say that before I made this record I was doing everything to try to get my music heard. I tried to lose weight and I was making awful music. It was only until I started to be myself that the music started to flow and the people started to listen.”
Allow yourself to be exactly who you are. We want to see your blemished self. Not a prettified version of someone you think you should be.
That’s the approach that will resonate most strongly with audiences — and get the media calling you back.
Final words:
Getting booked in the media is one thing.
Translating media attention into sales… is another.
Simply getting “interviewed,” “featured,” “quoted” or “mentioned” in the media does NOT guarantee that people are going to actually buy your program, products and services or hire you for speeches or consulting.
To accomplish that, you’ve got to have specific systems and processes in place that turn curious callers or new website visitors into paying customers.
Those systems and processes are exactly what I teach inside my training program: The Zen of Fame: Your Genius Gone Viral.
If you want to learn how to get featured in the media and use and get publicity to grow your business and brand ― while keeping your integrity intact ― this course was created for you.
The program is ongoing and you can begin your training any month, any time, and get access to all the goodies immediately. Join us here.
Rather work with me 1:1? Book a time to talk.
Book your Free ConsultationRelax.Let’s just see if we ignite together.
Zen of FameSubscribeFree ConsultCheck out our PR and Media Training Workshop to Jumpstart your Publicity
The post 7 Harmful Attitudes Blocking You From Getting Featured in the Media and Getting Great Publicity first appeared on Susan Harrow.The post 7 Harmful Attitudes Blocking You From Getting Featured in the Media and Getting Great Publicity appeared first on Susan Harrow.
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The post Media (Love) Coaching for Matchmaking first appeared on Susan Harrow.
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The post Media Appearances: Your Guide to PR Professional Dress first appeared on Susan Harrow.
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Develop your essential talking points / sound bites so you can easily incorporate them into your work and media appearances to grow your business fast.
The post Media coaching to get chosen for a media appearance or commercial first appeared on Susan Harrow.
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The post Feel afraid of appearing on TV? Read this first appeared on Susan Harrow.
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The post Media Coaching: Practice your worst fears first appeared on Susan Harrow.
The late ABC Anchor Peter Jennings noted, "I find writing the evening news sometimes very challenging because I realize that what we're trying to give folks in the evening is black and white when so often I want to give them gray." That same frustration is only exacerbated these days for media and communicators alike. Bottom line: There is a place for nuance. It's just a small place.
The post Media Training for CEOs: Shrinking Attention Spans Demand Shorter Sound bites first appeared on Susan Harrow.