A good media message is short. Ideally, you should be able to say everything important to you on a particular subject in 30 seconds or less.

If you find that it takes you longer than 30 seconds to get your message out, then you really haven't applied enough mental discipline to the editing process. If you are still talking after 30 seconds, you are actually going on to the fourth, fifth or sixth message point-save those for your speeches, not your media interviews.

Do what ever it takes to get your message short and sweet. If you have to tape a picture of Napoleon or Danny Devito to your computer, then do it. Once you go long in a media interview, you lose focus and your ability to control your message.

Ronald Reagan's message to the media in 1980 was that he wanted to be president to cut taxes, strengthen defense, and restore traditional values. Bill Clinton's message in 1992 was that he wanted to create more jobs in the economy and improve health care. The one thing both messages have in common is that they can be delivered in less than 30 seconds. Whether you liked or disliked either man or their policies, they were both successful, in part, because they learned the discipline of keeping their media messages short and to just a few points.

Unless your job is more important than the Presidency of the United States, you would be well advised to keep your media message short too.

~ TJ Walker

Upcoming Events

	December 4 & 5, 2009 New York, NY Inspired Work Leadership Workshop with David Harder Call for info (800) 755-7220
	Q&A with MTW Team December 21, 2009 Anywhere - Online Interactive Web TV Show Learn More - $99.00
	Talking Head Social Media Workshop December 21, 2009 New York, NY A one-day workshop on how to create simple, talking-head videos that will maximize your public relations effectiveness.

ONE DAY VERSION -Nov 6th 2009-Half Price compared to our 2-Day

Media Training Crash Course:
"MAKE THE MOST OF THE MEDIA"

December 10 & 11
Media Training Workshop
New York, NY

(more dates available)