interviews

Interviews are worth their weight in gold because hearing authentic passion is more compelling than a mile of statistics. So, recall those days of speaking into your hairbrush/microphone as a child and step into your MEDIA MAVEN shoes. No matter how shy you are, after the first couple of interviews, it’s likely you’ll get hooked. Tips: going on air with a friend or two can make it less scary; and exuberance and a few eye-opening facts are the key to successful interviews.

Remember why you are doing this: you don’t need to impress anyone – you’re simply being faithful to your commitment to speak up for the world’s children.

Find potential venues at: 
Radio: pacificanetwork.org
Public Access TV: www.videouniversity.com

Before the interview:

• Research the reporter, publication/program, interview format and audience.
• Write down 3 points you absolutely want to say (email MAU for help).
• Write down likely questions and your inspiring answers.

During the interview:

• Speak clearly and directly from your heart.
• Speak in “headlines” to introduce your main messages.
• Offer conclusions first, briefly, and back them up with facts or “proof points.”
• Don’t over answer. Short answers are better than long.
• Asked about a problem? Talk about a solution. Frame your reply as a positive statement.
• Don’t know the answer? Don’t fake it. You can always get back to the reporter with facts you want your audience to know.
• Don’t overlap the interviewer’s question; begin your answer when the reporter is finished.
• Keep cool. Don’t be provoked.
• Never lie to a reporter, or your mother.

After the interview:

• Review how it went, how you felt, what was difficult, what was easy.
• Write notes about what you wanted to have/know during the interview and any & all ideas that came to you during the interview.
• No matter if your mouth was so dry you couldn’t get your lips over your teeth, or you were eloquence personified, take a moment to congratulate yourself. Stacy Carkonen (MAU heroine) said, “There is no way to fail when one person raises their voice to bring dignity to another.”

For TV interviews: Remember you don’t have to smile through every answer, it isn’t a beauty pageant — so don’t wear your bathing suit either.

After any & all media experiences, send a hand written THANK YOU to whoever was involved. Media Goddesses are people too and want to be appreciated.