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Maximize Press Coverage With Media
Manners
by Lydia
Ramsey
Imagine this. You return to your office following lunch and find
Katie Couric and her camera crew waiting for you. She smiles politely
and says she has a few questions
to ask you. Your first thought is
"How fast can I get out of here?"
Television interviews, whether filmed on
the spot or in a studio, can be intimidating. However, with a bit of
preparation and know-how, going before the camera can be an effective
way to promote yourself and your business. Many of these tips will
work when you are
interviewed for radio shows, websites,
blogs and newspapers.
Get ready by being clear on your
message. Know what it is you want to say. Have three to five points
to make regardless of what you are asked. Learn by watching
politicians. They are masters at diverting questions back to their
agenda.
Provide the interviewer with a list of
your key points. Some reporters will even use those in a visual to
reinforce your message. This step assures that you control the
interview.
Gauge the length of your answers. This
is not the time for a simple "yes," "no," or
"maybe." Nor is it the occasion to tell your entire life
story. The interviewer wants you to expand on the question, but not
go on ad nauseum
Don't hesitate to admit that you don't
know the answer to a question. Making up a response without factual
information will come back to haunt you.
Know the audience. If you have enough
notice, inquire about the demographics of the viewers. You might be
surprised at what you learn and it will definitely affect how you
deliver your message.
Dress for the interview with your goal
to look as professional as possible. Viewers may not take you
seriously when you show up in your casual attire unless you are being
interviewed onsite for Habitat for Humanity. Choose appropriate
business dress, avoiding big patterns
and excessive accessories. Unless you
are conducting a fashion show, you want the viewers to remember you
and your message, not what you were wearing.
Look at the interviewer, not the camera.
You will come across as relaxed and the exchange will be more
conversational.
Maintain your professional demeanor at
all times even when you think the camera is not on you. You don't
want to get caught wearing the wrong facial expression or using
inappropriate body language.
Listen to the entire question. If you
jump in before the interviewer has finished his query, not only are
you being rude, you could also embarrass yourself with an answer that
doesn't make sense. After all, this isn't Jeopardy.
Be enthusiastic about your subject. You
can't expect the audience to be interested in what you have to say if
you are not.
Following the interview, write a thank
you by hand to the reporter. Since the handwritten note might as well
be on the endangered species list, your extra effort will help you be
remembered the next time an energetic expert guest is needed.
© Lydia Ramsey. All rights in all
media reserved.
 
About the
Author
 Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional
speaker, corporate trainer and author of MANNERS THAT SELL - ADDING
THE POLISH THAT BUILDS PROFITS. She has been quoted or featured
in The New York Times, Investors' Business Daily, Entrepreneur, Inc.,
Real Simple and Woman's Day. For more information about her
programs, products and services, e-mail her at lydia@mannersthatsell.com or visit
her web site http://www.mannersthatsell.com
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