To be a great guest you need a top notch set of media skills and knowledge. With radio and TV, you reach so many people that if you are not ready that is, prepared, you may not be able to make your publicity pay off for you. Here are publicity tips to help you do a great job. The tips include how to look and sound like a polished pro, tips on how to be promotional during the interview and etiquette tips to add to your success.
Tips! When the producer or journalist is contacting you the segment or story idea is already positioned within the format of the media outlet. You have no power to influence the media because they looking for this specific idea or slant. If what they want for the story or segment fits with your point of view, that’s terrific and the media opportunity will work out for you. If you are not a good fit for the particular point of view they are looking, its best to just say no than to try to change the segment or story idea to be a better fit for you. Don’t worry, if you are professional, the media will be back to use you the next time. If you are easy to work with, even better, as the media will surely be back with lots more.
Another excellent rule to follow for publicity success is this: Never cancel your media opportunity after you have given your word, that is, you have said yes. If you cancel you leave everyone in bad shape as the supporting staff has made all of the preparations for the segment or story. It is set in stone on their end. If you suddenly cancel, you leave the media in a tough spot as they have to find a replacement. This causes lots of anxiety and is disruptive. One thing is certain, you will never be invited back and you might even earn a reputation as not being reliable and then nobody will want to work with you in the future as you cannot be trusted. This is a tough price to pay and that is how serious keeping your word with the media is for you.
Prepare your talking points in advance of your pre-interview or interview with the media. This way, you will appear to have command over your area of expertise and knowledgeable about the issue under discussion. You will avoid stumbling for thoughts or concepts. If the media doubts your ability or expertise in the pre-interview, they will not use you for the placement. They simply have no choice. Their job is to book top qualified experts and if you indicate you are not that, they have to move on. Everything you do is evaluated by the media with the thought in mind – is this book author or expert the perfect expert for the story or the segment? You can make the media contact confident in choosing YOU if you are ready and prepared to discuss the topic. Create at least five discussion points on the topic before you speak to the producer or journalist.
Always make sure the media can contact you quickly. One big beginner mistake is to miss the media’s call once you have made contact. The media must move quickly and being able to pick up the phone, call your cell and connect with you is imperative. So, if you are expecting a call from the media, set it up in advance that you will take the call when it comes in. Nothing is more frustrating to the media than to not be able to get in touch with their guest at critical times. Keep your cell phone on, answer it and be a great guest!
Find additional strategy on how be the media’s dream guest. If you want publicity on TV or publicity on radio, learning the skill set of an exceptional and professional guest is critical. Enjoy incredible success with your publicity and promotion strategy by learning the professional skill set of a great guest. Find out how!

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