Lately, it seems as though I get as many requests for help from would-be hosts as I do from people wanting to know how to survive grilling by a reporter. Many are starting an Internet radio show, podcast or want to interview experts for their YouTube channel.
Interviewing is my favorite part of being a journalist, so I'm happy to share tips I've learned along the way.
1. Be ready for anything. A college professor said the hardest and most important task of interviewing is to listen. By the way, this helps in relationships, too.
2. Make the interviewees feel comfortable. If they are nervous, they won't speak as freely. One way to do that is to have a conversation-don't check off your list of questions.
3. Ask open-ended questions. These are ones that start: "Why did you...?" "How did you...?" "Tell me about..." "What happened when...?
Remember, the point of an interview is to share information, not to intimidate or anger--though it may seem that way when you listen or watch some shows! Enjoy the exchange. Your guest is giving his or her time and expertise. What a gift.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
News Anchor Barbie
I hate that I want to buy her. And I hate that I want to look like her. If I did, maybe I would've gotten more TV jobs. Seeing her reminds me of the News Director who told me, "You were our second choice. We made our decision for cosmetic reasons."
I hate what she does for the stereotype of journalists. The news industry is already has a crisis of goodwill and reputation. Will the fact that this Barbie is so perfect reinforce the idea that broadcasting is only a looks-based business?
What does she mean for people who want to be newsmakers?
- Look your best.
- Don't buy into the stereotype of "dumb blonde" - the woman interviewing you may be blonde, but chances are she is not dumb. We all know smart, beautiful people.
- Don't base your news-watching preferences on looks. If so, you're buying into the idea that we all need to look like Barbie--or Ken--to be credible.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
A Twist on Looking Your Best
People often ask me what are the best clothes to wear in front of the camera. That's an important question. But one that I expect to hear more of is, "Should I get 'a little work done' before I am interviewed?"
As someone who got an extreme makeover every time I went to work for a different TV station, I can talk about makeup techniques and good hair. Since I started in this business nearly 30 years ago, I have learned tricks from makeup artists, stylists and colleagues who participated in beauty pageants. But it was a speaking colleague who took me aside three years ago and suggested I would benefit from Botox. She even offered her dermatologist's name and number. I took her advice and have had "a little work" done in the years since. My husband and mother could tell right away. Another observant close friend was horrified that I'd done such a thing. And another close friend didn't notice. If anyone else could tell, they didn't mention it. But I liked the results and felt more confident. I thought I looked well-rested, not necessarily younger. So, I recommend this to men and women alike to look your best. But consider these thoughts:
1. It can be expensive and painful. Ask about costs and numbing techniques up front.
2. Only go to a dermatologist or other medical doctor. A dermatologist can give you prescription for a retinol cream which can make your skin glow.
3. Do NOT have any work done less than two weeks before an on-camera appearance. As careful as a doctor is, you can have side effects, which include bruising.
4. Ask your friends of a certain age who look "well rested" if they can make a recommendation for a doctor.
5. Have realistic expectations.
6. Botox lasts 3-6 months. Fillers can last as long as a year. Nothing is permanent.
This whole idea may horrify you, like it did my friend. It's certainly not a requirement to being an on-camera newsmaker. But if every time you look in the mirror, you tell yourself you're not aging well, this may be a solution to try at least once. Some of us look older than we are and only want to look our age. Again, this may be a solution.
As someone who got an extreme makeover every time I went to work for a different TV station, I can talk about makeup techniques and good hair. Since I started in this business nearly 30 years ago, I have learned tricks from makeup artists, stylists and colleagues who participated in beauty pageants. But it was a speaking colleague who took me aside three years ago and suggested I would benefit from Botox. She even offered her dermatologist's name and number. I took her advice and have had "a little work" done in the years since. My husband and mother could tell right away. Another observant close friend was horrified that I'd done such a thing. And another close friend didn't notice. If anyone else could tell, they didn't mention it. But I liked the results and felt more confident. I thought I looked well-rested, not necessarily younger. So, I recommend this to men and women alike to look your best. But consider these thoughts:
1. It can be expensive and painful. Ask about costs and numbing techniques up front.
2. Only go to a dermatologist or other medical doctor. A dermatologist can give you prescription for a retinol cream which can make your skin glow.
3. Do NOT have any work done less than two weeks before an on-camera appearance. As careful as a doctor is, you can have side effects, which include bruising.
4. Ask your friends of a certain age who look "well rested" if they can make a recommendation for a doctor.
5. Have realistic expectations.
6. Botox lasts 3-6 months. Fillers can last as long as a year. Nothing is permanent.
This whole idea may horrify you, like it did my friend. It's certainly not a requirement to being an on-camera newsmaker. But if every time you look in the mirror, you tell yourself you're not aging well, this may be a solution to try at least once. Some of us look older than we are and only want to look our age. Again, this may be a solution.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Being Gracious
Recently, a woman came to our studio to record an interview that would be played on the radio station later in the week. She was nervous and wanted to read her answers. When guests do this, it sounds like they're reading and doesn't showcase them in their best light. However, because her cause was so relevant, we took extra care and time with her and managed to get a soundbite or two that did air.
I was prepared to receive a call from her expressing disappointment about the brevity of the piece that aired. So I was pleasantly surprised when I got a voicemail that said something like this, "Thank you for airing part of our interview. I hope you'll broadcast part two when you get a chance. And I'm available anytime to talk more about this project."
We had no intention of airing any more of the interview. And I probably won't call her again unless she somehow lets me know that she has done something to improve her performance in front of microphones (www.Toastmasters.org? Media Coaching? www.SoundbiteCoach.com), but take a cue from the pleasant call. Being gracious always helps reporters remember you in a positive light.
I was prepared to receive a call from her expressing disappointment about the brevity of the piece that aired. So I was pleasantly surprised when I got a voicemail that said something like this, "Thank you for airing part of our interview. I hope you'll broadcast part two when you get a chance. And I'm available anytime to talk more about this project."
We had no intention of airing any more of the interview. And I probably won't call her again unless she somehow lets me know that she has done something to improve her performance in front of microphones (www.Toastmasters.org? Media Coaching? www.SoundbiteCoach.com), but take a cue from the pleasant call. Being gracious always helps reporters remember you in a positive light.
Monday, August 9, 2010
When Should You Send Press Releases?
From Business Wire:
A poll findsTuesday mornings are the best time to send a press release, according to 215 professional communicators. The data reinforces longstanding advice on the topic. For decades we’ve told clients that the best time to send a press release is “early in the day, early in the week.” Of course the general disclaimer “It depends” applies here, as the timing of any press release is subject to the nature of the news, goals of that release, the news of the day, and other variables. That said, we’ll resist the urge to say “I told you so,” and enjoy the fleeting affirmation of having PR Peeps confirm our sage advice. This poll was a challenge to analyze, as it was the first time we asked an open-ended question. In retrospect, we could have done a better job framing the survey, as responses ranged from time of day, to day of week, to general musings such as “when you have news to announce” or “you’re the experts–you tell us!” That said, the single most common answer, with 135 votes, was “mornings” or a variation thereof, such as “before noon” or “before 10 AM.” The second biggest vote getter, with 71 votes, was Tuesdays or a variation, such as “Tues. – Thursday.” Below are the details, as best we can present them. When’s the Best Time to Send a Press Release?- Tuesdays–71, or 53%- Mondays –16, or 7 %- Mornings–135, or 63%- 10 AM–17, or 8%.
As mentioned above, the numbers don’t add up to 215, since many people answered with multiple recommendations such as “about 10 AM, Mon – Thursday” while others answered in unique and difficult-to-quantify ways. The numbers above are our best reflection of the data. We apologize for the lack of scientific approach here–any market researchers who want to pile on with advice, please email me at monika.maeckle@businesswire.com. To those who participated, thank you–-and how about helping with our next PR Peeps Poll: Do You Tweet the Links to Your Press Release? This poll is back to multiple choice. Business Wire
A poll findsTuesday mornings are the best time to send a press release, according to 215 professional communicators. The data reinforces longstanding advice on the topic. For decades we’ve told clients that the best time to send a press release is “early in the day, early in the week.” Of course the general disclaimer “It depends” applies here, as the timing of any press release is subject to the nature of the news, goals of that release, the news of the day, and other variables. That said, we’ll resist the urge to say “I told you so,” and enjoy the fleeting affirmation of having PR Peeps confirm our sage advice. This poll was a challenge to analyze, as it was the first time we asked an open-ended question. In retrospect, we could have done a better job framing the survey, as responses ranged from time of day, to day of week, to general musings such as “when you have news to announce” or “you’re the experts–you tell us!” That said, the single most common answer, with 135 votes, was “mornings” or a variation thereof, such as “before noon” or “before 10 AM.” The second biggest vote getter, with 71 votes, was Tuesdays or a variation, such as “Tues. – Thursday.” Below are the details, as best we can present them. When’s the Best Time to Send a Press Release?- Tuesdays–71, or 53%- Mondays –16, or 7 %- Mornings–135, or 63%- 10 AM–17, or 8%.
As mentioned above, the numbers don’t add up to 215, since many people answered with multiple recommendations such as “about 10 AM, Mon – Thursday” while others answered in unique and difficult-to-quantify ways. The numbers above are our best reflection of the data. We apologize for the lack of scientific approach here–any market researchers who want to pile on with advice, please email me at monika.maeckle@businesswire.com. To those who participated, thank you–-and how about helping with our next PR Peeps Poll: Do You Tweet the Links to Your Press Release? This poll is back to multiple choice. Business Wire
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Soundbite Coach
1. You have no idea what a soundbite is.
2. You have never been interviewed before and now, a journalist or talk show host has scheduled time to talk with you.
3. You have been interviewed before... and you bombed.
4. You need an objective journalist to tell you if your interviews are logical, compelling and effective.
5. You cannot think of acceptable answers to reporters other than, "#@*?!!*."
6. You seek publicity to build awareness for a new product, service, book or cause, and your messages are getting no traction.
7. You want insurance against a crisis.
8. You have a high-stakes presentation scheduled.
9. You have received unflattering attention in social or news media.
10. You know your employees are not hearing you. You want shorter, stickier taglines to change the culture.
2. You have never been interviewed before and now, a journalist or talk show host has scheduled time to talk with you.
3. You have been interviewed before... and you bombed.
4. You need an objective journalist to tell you if your interviews are logical, compelling and effective.
5. You cannot think of acceptable answers to reporters other than, "#@*?!!*."
6. You seek publicity to build awareness for a new product, service, book or cause, and your messages are getting no traction.
7. You want insurance against a crisis.
8. You have a high-stakes presentation scheduled.
9. You have received unflattering attention in social or news media.
10. You know your employees are not hearing you. You want shorter, stickier taglines to change the culture.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Using the Right Words with Workers
This is from my friend Anne Bruce, who quoted me in her book, Speak for a Living. It was so good that I'm recommending her new book without even reading it. Here are details:
Fast, Easy-to-Use, Instant Plans and Tools on How to Develop and Coach Others, Brand Talent and Grow Employees to Their Greater Potential!
Click here to go directly to Amazon.com for more info about the book...
http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Phrases-Employee-Development-Plans/dp/0071715096/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277924323&sr=1-1
My newest book release, Perfect Phrases for Employee Development Plans, was published and released by McGraw-Hill 3 weeks ahead of schedule!
This book has been called a powerful tool for leaders at all levels who want to have instant access to planning, tips and tools for employee development, branding talent and grooming people for advancement, while pinpointing people's strengths and motivating global talent pools.
This is not just a "how-to" book, but a "what-to-do" book!
Fast, Easy-to-Use, Instant Plans and Tools on How to Develop and Coach Others, Brand Talent and Grow Employees to Their Greater Potential!
Click here to go directly to Amazon.com for more info about the book...
http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Phrases-Employee-Development-Plans/dp/0071715096/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277924323&sr=1-1
My newest book release, Perfect Phrases for Employee Development Plans, was published and released by McGraw-Hill 3 weeks ahead of schedule!
This book has been called a powerful tool for leaders at all levels who want to have instant access to planning, tips and tools for employee development, branding talent and grooming people for advancement, while pinpointing people's strengths and motivating global talent pools.
This is not just a "how-to" book, but a "what-to-do" book!
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