Watch some clips from the marathon online:
and get some advice for your next radio interview.
My media training clients constantly ask me, "TJ, why must I repeat my 3-part message so often during a phone interview? Isn't once or twice enough?"
No, it is not enough!
When reporters are interviewing you over the phone, they are doing a million other things at the same time. They are answering email, surfing the web, receiving instant messages, watching CNN, listening to their editor yell at them, and yes, trying to write down what you say. Plus, they are waiting for that call from Alan Greenspan (and they will dump you in a second if he calls).
In short, they are distracted. They probably aren't going to get what you are talking about the first or even second time you are mentioning it. They certainly aren't going to notice that you are repeating yourself.
So repeat your same basic message over and over again. Just make sure you don't say it word-for-word the same. As long as you mix up the order, give different examples, or threat elements of their questions through your message points, most reporters will never notice that you are repeating your same basic message. And those that do will appreciate it that you have given thought to what is most important.
So don't feel embarrassed about having a strong compelling message and sticking to it throughout your interview. Of course this doesn't mean you are going to dodge questions. You will answer all questions-briefly. And then you will bridge back to your main themes.
This will ensure your message makes it to the final cut-you get into the story.
Wording your Speech
Use words that paint pictures.
Smart business presenters always use metaphors and analogies to make new and unfamiliar concepts more familiar and understandable.
Put yourself on the side of the audience. Talk about “us” instead of “you people.”
Use as many one and two syllable words as possible.
A little slang goes a long way.
The shorter the word, the better. The smaller and more common the word, the better.
Answering Questions In Your Interview
Unlike every other conversation in life, in a media conversation, every single idea you utter must be judged on its own, not within the context of what you said before or after it.?
You are having a conversation with the readers, viewers or listeners of that reporter and you don’t know which of your ideas are going to make the final cut.
Consequently, you must take a radically more disciplined approach to how you answer questions in a media interview.
After you have held a reporter’s question up to the light to look for an easy way to answer it, the next thing you should do is rewrite the question to make it easier for you.
The art in this process is rewriting the question to make it less threatening to you, while at the same time, not appearing to be dodging the question entirely.
Short Video Commentary:
Audio Commentary
If you want people to fall asleep while you speak, cover 38 facts and 27 bullet points. However, if that information is really important TJ has a solution.
You don’t need to rescue a person from a fire to be a courageous speaker. But you do need to be willing to do almost anything, even acting like a fool, to get the point across. .
Make sure to explain the benefits to your audience.
Who is your favorite female speaker?
We are updating our video library and workshop PowerPoints and want to include people you most admire. If you know of a speaker we should include send us a quick email.
Leadership Boot Camp and Empowerment Retreat
June 5-7, 2009
The 2nd Annual Leadership Retreat takes place in New York hosts several world record holders, top business experts, and international trainers all helping create results in business, life, career, and relationships. The weekend is about creating results, NOW. If life has passed you by too quickly, or if you have not yet arrived at where you planned to be a year or more ago, don't you think its time? I look forward to meeting you personally at the Retreat and helping you create amazing results in your life, business, and career. The Retreat is about possibility, moving forward, and taking action! Right now your success formula begins with registering at .
The Speaking Channel Newsletter is provided by Media Training Worldwide Media Training Worldwide provides more media and presentation training workshops and seminars (54 separate courses) than any other company in the world. Media Training Worldwide also publishes more than 100 presentation training books, DVD's, CDs, and other information products and is the largest presentation/media training publisher in the world. For a product catalog or more information on training services call 800-755-7220 or visit us online.
My media training clients constantly ask me, "TJ, why must I repeat my 3-part message so often during a phone interview? Isn't once or twice enough?"
