Prepare:
- Visualize a successful conversation.
- Do your homework: watch the TV program and/or listen to the radio station.Check out their websites
- Find out who the audience is. Decide beforehand, what is in it for them? How can they benefit from what you have to say?
- Figure out what you want the audience to do, think or feel as a result of your interview.
- Stave off the impulse to shop or run for botox shots. Find a comfortable, attractive outfit that doesn't upstage your message.
Rehearse:
- Practice the interview beforehand until it becomes second nature.
- Video-tape it.
- Vocalize the day of the interview. Sing, breathe, do 10 deep diaphragmatic breaths.
Present:
Before the interview:
- Anticipate the tough questions.
- Prepare the 3 to 5 core messages you want to state.
- Decide upon your wardrobe and shelve anything plaid , polka dotted or glittery
- Gather all the little must-haves you might need like water, tissues and contact lens.
- Reconfirm time, date, address, and the format the day before. Set your alarm clock.
- Eat a healthy breakfast and drink water. It hydrates you and your voice.
- Sit at the edge of your seat and lean towards the host. Mirror his/her energy and body language.
- Use the host's first name. Smile and thank the host for having you.
- Keep the interview conversational and relaxed.
- Never get defensive. Smile and reframe any negative comment in a positive light.
- Take control of the interview and lead with your key messages.
- Say 3 to 5 core messages in short, clear and dynamic sound bites. Think in headlines.
- Figure out a strong grabber to open your interview.
- During the interview, pause and breathe between thoughts.
- At the end of the interview, repeat your key points.
- Bridge any questions asked back to your core messages.
- End with a "call to action to the audience.
