It is amazing to know that there are only a handful of public relations firms out there that truly know how to harness the power of public relations . Then it is not surprising the TV and radio interviews are the best, yet least known, public relations tool to promote businesses.
Interviews can be fantastic public relations opportunities, but you really need to maximize your time on-air!
Marsha Friedman, Managing Director of Event Management Services Inc, a national public relations firm says “Here are some insider tips to help make your interview on TV or talk radio the best ever”:
1. Always Be Geared Up For Your Interview. Before going on, make sure you’re fully prepared with facts, figures and anecdotes to talk about when you’re on the air. Use a “cheat sheet’ with your best info. Marsha Friedman says, “The viewers or listeners will know if you are full of information or full of “you know what.” The latter will lose the audience’s attention and any credibility they had been building.”
2. The More You Practice, the Better You Will Be. Marsha Friedman adds, “One of your key challenges is staying ‘on-message.’ Hosts and their viewers can throw you off topic in a heartbeat. So here is your challenge: keep afloat while you are on-air. If you’re new to the media game, consider getting a media coach. Got experience already? Then keep sharp with mock interviews with your colleagues.” Be sure you’re fully prepared to handle ANY questions that come your way.
3. Public Relations is not a One-Day Thing. PR strategies should be viewed as a long-term commitment with the goal of developing as much national media exposure as possible. The longer that you are out there on television and talk radio, the more you will recognized as an expert in your industry.
4. Keep the interview pipeline full. You should conduct as many media interviews as possible. Marsha Friedman adds, “What could be better than talking to millions of people without having to travel at all!”
5. Be Ready for Anything! Any appearances on the media that you do should be viewed as “top priority.” That means, when they call..you be ready! Marsha Friedman says, “That means day or night.” The more that you appear on-air, the more visibility you will gain!which leads to sales!
6. Sparkle on air. Enthusiasm speaks loud and clear. Marsha Friedman adds, “Keep the viewers and listeners interested. Treat every interview like it is your most important!”
7. Keep the audience listening. When it comes to the media, entertainment is the key. So just really focus on supplying information in an entertaining way. Do that and you’ll often find the host jumping in to help you promote your message!
8. Focus on Being a Proper Time Manager. If you really want to get the most out of your television or talk radio appearance you need to make sure to maximize your time. Be entertaining, be information and educate. These three things will help you give good interview.
Well there you go! Now get out there and give some terrific interviews! If you would like to learn more about gaining national and local media exposure for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Friedman is here to help . Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a PR expert Marsha has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without budget busting monthly retainers.
Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook “How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest” visit her firm online at www.emsincorporated.com.
- Marsha Friedman
Highlights 
April 25th, 2008 