Soooo . . . you’ve just been invited to be interviewed on radio or television. You accepted the invitation and now what? You should prepare for your media opportunity as seriously as you would an important job interview.
Most media interview invitations are because a person is an expert, or at the very least, quite in tune with the subject matter to be discussed. Another key trait the media host looks for, in a good guest interview, is good public speaking ability. As producer and host of “Inside the Inland Valley,” I can tell you that a good, precise, informative, and entertaining interview also makes the host and the show look good.
If you are invited to appear as a guest on a radio or television talk show, these few tips should be of great help:
1. Be sure to request and receive the location, date, time, name of show and host name. Find out what color clothing would be most effective on their set (for TV appearances).
2. Be crystal clear on the subject matter and whether or not the host would like questions to be provided by you beforehand. Make sure questions are faxed, e-mailed, hand-delivered, etc. in plenty of time for the host to preview. Otherwise, have the host send you the questions he intends to ask you. This will ensure good, appropriate responses on your part. You really don’t want to walk into an “ambush.”
3. Find out and agree on how you are to address the host; first name (Bob or Susan), nickname (Bobby or Susie), or last name (Mr. Smithers or Ms. Hinson).
4. If there are any sensitive areas or questions you would rather not answer, let that be known as early on as possible.
5. If you are promoting products, services, such as your new book or your latest play, be sure to request that there be time enough to give pertinent information. Also, have the editor flash contact info at appropriate times.
6. Be yourself, smile, and take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity. This media interview not only promotes what you are known for, remember: it also makes your host look good in the process.
You follow these tips and your media interviews will be fun and mutually beneficial! Read about Larry King's recent media interview mistake, as discussed on The Media Interview.
Most media interview invitations are because a person is an expert, or at the very least, quite in tune with the subject matter to be discussed. Another key trait the media host looks for, in a good guest interview, is good public speaking ability. As producer and host of “Inside the Inland Valley,” I can tell you that a good, precise, informative, and entertaining interview also makes the host and the show look good.
If you are invited to appear as a guest on a radio or television talk show, these few tips should be of great help:
1. Be sure to request and receive the location, date, time, name of show and host name. Find out what color clothing would be most effective on their set (for TV appearances).
2. Be crystal clear on the subject matter and whether or not the host would like questions to be provided by you beforehand. Make sure questions are faxed, e-mailed, hand-delivered, etc. in plenty of time for the host to preview. Otherwise, have the host send you the questions he intends to ask you. This will ensure good, appropriate responses on your part. You really don’t want to walk into an “ambush.”
3. Find out and agree on how you are to address the host; first name (Bob or Susan), nickname (Bobby or Susie), or last name (Mr. Smithers or Ms. Hinson).
4. If there are any sensitive areas or questions you would rather not answer, let that be known as early on as possible.
5. If you are promoting products, services, such as your new book or your latest play, be sure to request that there be time enough to give pertinent information. Also, have the editor flash contact info at appropriate times.
6. Be yourself, smile, and take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity. This media interview not only promotes what you are known for, remember: it also makes your host look good in the process.
You follow these tips and your media interviews will be fun and mutually beneficial! Read about Larry King's recent media interview mistake, as discussed on The Media Interview.
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