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SUMMARY: Learn the critical media interview mistakes to avoid to safeguard your career. From waffling during interviews to neglecting to share how you’ve helped others, these errors can tarnish your reputation. Ensure you’re prepared with concise messaging, quotes from industry leaders, and compelling stories of impact. Transform your wounds into wisdom and have well-formed opinions ready to showcase your expertise. Mastering these media strategies will enhance your media presence and speed your career trajectory.
Table of contents:* 5 Media Interview Mistakes: That Could Crucify Your Career + 1. You Waffle. + 2. You Don’t Quote Industry Leaders or Competitors. + 3. You Don’t Tell How You’ve Helped People. + 4. You Don’t Transform Your Wounds Into Wisdom. + 5. You Don’t Have Your Opinion Ready. + Avoid Media Interview Mistakes Now. 5 Media Interview Mistakes: That Could Crucify Your CareerIn this new age of social media 3.0, the media is more often searching for experts when they have the need rather than pouring over hundreds of useless press releases that don’t have information that is relevant for their audience. So even if you haven’t sent out a press release you could get that important call from the media – if you’ve positioned yourself correctly on the Internet.
On the flip side did you know that now with YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Time Machine that what you say could haunt you forever?
Once a video of you is posted or something you said shows up on the Internet there’s no way to take it back. With the advent of technology what you say will stay around in eternity and anyone can access it at any time.
This is why it is so important that you pay attention to what you say and how you say it — before you blast it out.
That’s right, your reputation, your credibility, your brand, your livelihood could disappear with one bad article or one TV appearance gone south. But it doesn’t need to be so.
Don’t make these five media interview mistakes:
1. You Waffle.Many people I media train waffle. They meander off into a tangent or blurt out a thought that just came into their head in the heat of the moment, instead of carefully planning their messages and delivering them.
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A while back I saw the movie Fair Game about the Valerie Plame story. When Plame spoke to one of her contacts overseas from whom she wanted information she was firm as a mountain, soft as breeze, fluid as water. She was never harsh, but she got her way. She knew her facts so when she spoke to one of her own team members or someone whose cooperation she wanted she quietly, but firmly repeated her request.
During a media interview you can do the same when someone asks you a question. You calmly assert your pre-rehearsed answer no matter how many different ways a reporter or host asks you a question to elicit a different response. Know what you want to say and stick to it. Stay firm as a mountain, soft as a breeze, fluid as water.
2. You Don’t Quote Industry Leaders or Competitors.It might sound counter-intuitive to quote your competition or other high-stature people in your field during a media interview, but it shows that you are on top of what’s happening in your industry.
In an Inc.com article titled 10 Tips for Giving an Important Speech by Alyssa Danigelis, anthropologist, filmmaker, and National Geographic explorer Elizabeth Lindsey said, “The more we talk about the things that matter to us, and less about our achievements, people breathe a collective sigh of relief.”
When we focus on what’s important to us in a sincere way it translates to our audience. They get it. Quote people you admire whose philosophy resonates with your own to help get your ideas across in a novel way.
They often say things that give a different point of view given we are all entangled in our own perspective. It’s a way of broadening our own views and the views of our audience.
3. You Don’t Tell How You’ve Helped People.The most potent way to persuade people to buy or buy into you or your ideas during a media interview isn’t for you to talk about your achievements but to tell a story about a person you’ve helped. I recently media coached a client who said he wasn’t a good storyteller. As a doctor, he referred to medical facts so he would be more authoritative. But the human warm fuzzy factor was a bit lacking. It’s important to use facts and stories to build trust during every media appearance. Facts alone aren’t enough. When using facts make sure to put them in their human context so you combine feeling with fact. It’s also necessary to tell stories that reveal our effectiveness human to human.
#Soundbite Tip: Tell People How You’ve Helped Others To Be More Human + Lovable.
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Facts show you have knowledge. Personal and professional stories illustrate your understanding – how you do what you do and how well your methods work. I suggested that he tell dramatic or funny stories about people who came into his office with an acute problem whom he helped recover quickly using both his doctorly intuition and the product he was promoting.
In our next media coaching session he did this beautifully in preparation for his NPR interview. Giving your audience a story about how you helped another person is the closest thing to giving them an actual experience of you.
4. You Don’t Transform Your Wounds Into Wisdom.Your hardships are the mistakes that others don’t need to make. Your wounds make you lovable. We all have an Achilles Heel.
Don’t hide it, highlight it.
Comedian Craig Ferguson said, “I think that sometimes fear is God’s way of saying, paying attention, this could be fun. I’ve learned from people who are braver than I that fear is necessary, failure is necessary. When I talk to people and they tell me how well they are or how well they are doing I think they’re crazy and they’re failing. And when I talk to people and who are telling me how they feel—I’m not saying that misery is more authentic than joy, I don’t mean that. But I do think that sometimes self-promotion can be tiresome as I sit here talkin’ about my book. Which is available reasonably priced from all good outlets.”
What I love about Ferguson is that he doesn’t wallow in any sentiment. He moves into the wound and then moves out of it with humor. And aren’t you interested in his book just from reading this one quote? I was.
5. You Don’t Have Your Opinion Ready.Thought leaders have opinions. They back their opinions with evidence or piggyback them with humor to soften a tough point of view. Have your opinion ready for your media appearances.
To become a respected thought leader spend some time every week thinking about the issues in your industry.Consider some of the trends that are happening. Formulate your thoughts. Concretize them in writing on your blog, Facebook, LinkedIn or in an article.
When a reporter who had interviewed me before called and asked me my opinion of the new Conan O’Brien Show I told her I hadn’t seen it, but I still had an opinion about it. We laughed. Then I transitioned from what I didn’t know into what I did know – which was Jon Stewart. I watched the Daily Show with Jon Stewart regularly and think he’s hilarious, smart and self-deprecating.
Even though he’s super smart he’s not a snob about it. She really wanted my comments about the future of the talk show format so I talked about that in relation to Jon Stewart. I got a paragraph at the end of her article – without knowing a thing about the topic of her piece – Conan O’Brien.
The important thing when in a media interview is to transition to what you know and make the connection so you are serving the reporter and her audience.
Folk singer Joan Baez said, “I’ve never had a humble opinion. If you’ve got an opinion, why be humble about it?” Thought leaders aren’t afraid to voice a strong opinion.
Avoid Media Interview Mistakes Now.So in the spirit of mastering your messaging you’re invited enjoy the Zen of Fame: Your Genius Gone Viral Course.
Everybody needs to speak succinctly in sound bites. They aren’t just for politicians, talking heads, or movie stars. Even if you’re not preparing for a media interview, the information in the course can help you be a better parent, leader, succinct speaker, dazzling party guest, run an effective meeting, close a deal or get venture capital.
5 Media Interview Mistakes That Could Crucify Your Career + How to Make Sure You DON’T Make Them
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Have you had a success (on TV, during a meeting, in your own living room with your kids?) Please share it!
Zen of FameSubscribeFree ConsultThe post 5 Media Interview Mistakes: That Could Crucify Your Career first appeared on Susan Harrow.The post 5 Media Interview Mistakes: That Could Crucify Your Career 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: The National Publicity Summit provides a valuable chance to connect with top journalists and producers, either virtually or in person, and gain national media exposure. With over 75 media professionals attending, participants can pitch their stories and stand out. Preparation is key, including concise pitches, appropriate attire, and impactful visual props. Gaining permission for follow-up communication can enhance opportunities to get an interview or be booked on a show. Early registration and strategic planning are essential due to limited spots available.
Table of contents: * National Publicity Made Easy: 5 Must-Know Strategies + Meet Over 75 Producers and Journalists. + Stand Out - 1. Prepare your pitch. - 2. Look the part. - 3. Make it visual. - 4. Create a beautiful, moving, stunning or shocking experience. - 5. Open the door. + 10 more tips from a three-time attendee: + Apply here to attend: National Publicity Made Easy: 5 Must-Know StrategiesYou can get big-time national publicity by personally meeting top journalists and producers face-to-face – and now, since COVID, via Zoom – at the National Publicity Summit held by Steve Harrison.
At the National Publicity Summit, participants will discover how to get featured in America’s prestigious Magazines, on big blogs, and interviewed on the top TV, radio and podcast shows.
After a quick review, MayDayReport.com states that it believes this event is a tool that can help people get more publicity and recognition. By being at the National Publicity Summit , publicity hopefuls will get to meet some of the most influential people at top media outlets. These relationships are what will give the participants the exposure they need to get booked and appear on national TV and in major magazines, newspapers, radio, and podcasts.
5 tips to get national publicityMeet Over 75 Producers and Journalists.At the event, guests will meet over 75 producers and journalists from America’s top media outlets. Anyone looking to get exposure would be wise not pass up this opportunity. Unfortunately, as most people who have tried to get publicity know it’s usually very difficult to get top journalists and producers to even take a phone call or open an email.
However, by joining Steve Harrison’s virtual, closed-door National Publicity Summit, guests will have the opportunity to learn the secrets to garnering coverage as well as meeting with top editors and producers one-on-one.
If you are looking to get media exposure, you can meet over 75 producers and journalists on Zoom at the National Publicity Summit. Learn more in this post.
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Consider this your media speed dating. And prepare accordingly.
You have two and a half minutes to “get a date.”
How to get on national TVThere are a limited number of spots available so that everyone gets enough one-on-one time with the media. The summit is currently offering 100 spots, and they always go fast!
Plus, he has an early-bird special, so you can save by applying early.
Stand OutAlthough you will be one of 100 participants, you still have to stand out and gain the media’s interest. So, here are 5 ways that you can do that:
1. Prepare your pitch.Keep it simple and be ready to explain your business, book, product, service or cause in 20-30 seconds. Position yourself in the marketplace so the journalist or producer understands what sets you apart from your competition. Have statistics to prove your point. Facts speak loudly in a sea of hype.
2. Look the part.Dress as you would if you were actually appearing on TV. This means not only being well-groomed with clothes that fit you like a fashion model, but be sure to choose an outfit that represents your brand. You want to give the look and feel of whatever you’re representing and promoting. If your product is humorous, you might have a piece of jewelry or clothing item that makes someone laugh.
3. Make it visual.Cameras love costumes. Cameras also love tactile. The great thing about props is that they are a shortcut to sound bites. Visuals can often explain a complicated concept or idea more quickly than words. So plan your shortcuts and bring eye-popping props that help tell your story. Stuff that the media need to interact with is a plus.
4. Create a beautiful, moving, stunning or shocking experience.Experiences are what people remember. That’s why perfume ads show a glamorous man or woman lounging in a tropical island all smooth and beautiful and looking languorously happy. Perfume promises us a luxurious experience with the man or woman of our dreams. It’s not about smelling good to cover up the stink after you’ve been cooking onions, is it? No. You’re selling an experience. So create a scenario where you can take the journalist or producer through an experience where they get the FEEL of whatever you’re promoting.
5. Open the door.Even if a journalist or producer isn’t interested in the idea you pitched, ask permission to connect with them again when you have another idea. Sometimes your pitch just needs a twist, a different angle, or a timely event to make it right. Getting explicit permission helps ensure your follow-up call or email will get considered. And to be memorable when you reconnect, mention your visual or the experience you created to jog the media’s memory.
Here are 10 more tips from a three-time attendee:“The National Publicity Summit was easily one of the most worthwhile events I have attended – the speakers were inspiring, the topics were relevant, and Steve Harrison runs a world-class organization. Not only did they provide insider information and actual training, but we had meetings with the decision-makers on the spot. I have had several interviews for Project Happiness as a result, and many more in the pipeline. A rare and valuable opportunity for anyone interested in jumpstarting their PR campaign,” says Randy Taran, founder of Project Happiness.
To get immediate access to a ticket for the National Publicity Summit and make your experience a profitable one follow these five strategies and make your mark with the media.
Apply here to attend:Apply NowThe post National Publicity Made Easy: 5 Must-Know Strategies first appeared on Susan Harrow.The post National Publicity Made Easy: 5 Must-Know Strategies 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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