Inside the Book... The Ultimate Guide to Getting Booked on Oprah
Want to find
out more?
Sign up to receive
16 tips by e-mail!
You have permission to publish this article in its entirety
electronically, in print, in your ebook, or on your web
site, free of charge as long as no changes to the content
are made and you include my byline, copyright, and resource
box. Please notify me of publication by sending an email
with a copy of your publication
to:
Thanks and enjoy!
Annie Jennings of Annie Jennings PR and one of her excellent publicists, Stacy,
gave more than an hour of tips on how to position yourself as a thought leader
and get called on regularly to comment on the news. I've recapped a few of their
techniques and suggestions here.
1. Comment on news stories on your blog.
In order to be socially relevant you need to be up on the issues of the day.
Your blog posts should be focused, concise and to the point. Producers are
looking for fresh and current commentary that also injects your wisdom and
insights from your personal and professional perspective and experience. By
creating regular insights on your blog you increase your chances of getting your
voice noticed.
2.
Turn your blog comments into a podcast.
Since producers need to know your speaking style short podcasts give them a
sense of your literal voice as well as your internal voice, how you think and
shape your stories. This is the quick path to you getting used to talking our
comments as well as writing them. Your podcasts are reflections of your
experience, education, wisdom, knowledge, and credentials. By practicing every
day you'll expand your expertise quickly.
3. Post a demo video.
Producers aren't looking for a speaking video. They need to see that you can
interact with the host, know your role and speak on demand. You'll need to know
where to look, how to speak without using your hands so you don't look like the
Tasmanian devil. On your demo video they're looking to see that you can light up
yourself, be dynamic and vibrant so audiences pay attention. Producers' jobs are
on the line everyday so if you don't live up to your promise or their
expectations it reflects badly on them. Your poor performance could cost them
their job.
4. Behave professionally at all times.
Now I know I shouldn't have to tell you this, but I've seen even experienced
professionals lose their cool when their appearance gets cancelled at the last
minute. Don't guilt trip. Your professional default behavior needs to be
gracious at all times no matter what. You'll get another chance if you maintain
your equanimity and aplomb. Caroline Myss says, "Master your responses to
external events -- don't attempt to control them." With daily practice you'll
become a master of your responses. And soon enough you can become a regular
respected news commentator.
Susan Harrow, CEO of
http://prsecrets.com, is
a top media coach, marketing strategist and author of
Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul® (HarperCollins),
The
Ultimate Guide to Getting Booked on Oprah, and
Get a 6-
Figure Book Advance. Clients include Fortune 500 CEOs, bestselling authors and entrepreneurs who have appeared on
Oprah, 60 Minutes, NPR, and in TIME, USA Today, Parade,
People, O, NY Times, WSJ, and Inc.
2.
Turn your blog comments into a podcast.
