Interviews can be fantastic public relations opportunities, but you really need to maximize your time on-air!



Here are tips to help make your interview on TV or talk radio the best ever:

1. Like the Boy Scouts, Be Prepared. Before you step foot on the set, really make sure that all of your ammo is in order and you are well-versed in your facts. In order to really prepare, get a sheet of paper and write down all of your most important information and study it! Marsha Friedman says, The viewers or listeners will know if you are full of information or full of you know what. So make sure to be prepared, or you will totally lose their attention.

2. The More You Practice, the Better You Will Be. Marsha Friedman adds, One of your key challenges is staying on-message. Radio/TV hosts and audiences have a way of yanking you off course. Your challenge will be to know how to keep your on-air balance. Never been interviewed by the media before? Well then why not get a media coach. Got experience already? Then keep sharp with mock interviews with your colleagues. When it comes to being ready, the more practice you put in goes a long way.

3. Public Relations is not a One-Day Thing. Public relations campaigns are not a one-time deal and should be developed into a longer national approach. 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 available at a moments notice. Any appearances on the media that you do should be viewed as top priority. That means, when they call..you be ready! Marsha Friedman adds, That means anytime! Being on the air, often and at any time, will boost your companys visibility! and 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 youll often find the host jumping in to help you promote your message!

8. Good time management. Key to success with media interviews is how effective you use air-time. A great interview or a complete bust will hinge on how well you keep these three things in mind:

1. Be entertaining, 2. Be informative, and 3. Educate.

Well there you go! Now get out there and give some terrific interviews!