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Blog Entries for: August, 2008

Using Power Statements for Interview Segments

August 19, 2008

By Julie Ferwerda

I have very little experience with media interviews, but I heard one tip recently that I believe will be a key to compelling and smooth interviews in the future. Because of the nature of media interviews being in very short segments, it’s good to come up with power statements around which you can build your interview segments. So I’m constantly on the lookout for power statements relating to my topic. These can be things I come up with during the course of writing the book, or they can be from others (from books I’ve read, conversations I’ve had, or messages I’ve listened to).

For example, I’m working on an inspirational book encouraging parents to return to the Biblical mandate of discipling their kids at home, raising them to change their world for Christ. The premise for the book is according to Psalm 127:3-5 of raising your kids to become “arrows for God” so they might be used as spiritual weapons against the kingdom of darkness as well as become a gift and spiritual legacy for the world. Some possible power statements I’ve been collecting for this topic that would make excellent areas of discussion with an interviewer are:

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August 19, 2008 | View or add comments

Trojan Horse

August 15, 2008

By Gary Chevalier

For those of us starting out, we tend to grab every opportunity for publicity that we can...and for the most part, that is a good strategy. However, not every interviewer out there has your best interests at heart - even if they're a Christian.

Recently a friend of mine published her first book, which explored the topic of dealing with life after divorce. She was very diligent in promoting her book, and sent out hundreds of press releases and other materials to book stores, radio stations, etc. To her delight, a non-local radio station contacted her about a phone interview to promote her book. I remember how she buzzed with excitement as the day for the interview approached...it seemed that her grin had become a permanent fixture on her face. I talked with her shortly after the interview, only to find that her huge grin had been replaced by a look of bewilderment. "It was an ambush." she said. "They had no intention of talking about my book. All they wanted to do was debate me on why I felt that I, a divorced person, had a calling to write a book. They were trying to paint me as a bad Christian and not worthy to write a Christian book because I had been divorced!"

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August 15, 2008 | View or add comments

Preparing for Media Moments

August 7, 2008

By Evelyn W. Davison

With a history of more than 25 years on the Love Talk Network doing radio and TV (producing and hosting and interviewing guests), and approaching 13 years of publishing the Good News Journal, I can count the bad interviews I have had on my fingers and toes.

Why is that? It is because I learned when I was nine years-old and ran my Dad’s radio station, that I had to work hard and not hog the show. My job was then and today is to get my guests ready and make them comfortable in Love Talking about themselves and sharing the Good News of God’s power, provision and protection.

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August 7, 2008 | View or add comments

Embracing the do's and don'ts of a radio or television interview for the Interviewee

August 4, 2008

By Linda Goldfarb

• Learn about the host and their audience. How much time are you going to have? Is your interview live or recorded? Your interview should fill a need for the audience. Learn to say “no”, not every interview is beneficial.
• Gain Confidence – Know your product – RE-READ YOUR BOOK!
• Staying focused is a key element of a great interview. Providing a clear A-B-C point to point outline for the host makes it easy. Know the flow before you go!
• Check the time-zone where the show originates. We shouldn't depend on our publicist to call and wake us up for the interview. A radio host expects professional experts to show up, a “missing in action” guest is not often offered second chances.
• Try not to “tell” the audience what they must do. No-one likes a finger pointed in their face. Our tone of voice is what radio audiences pick up on, if sharpness is detected we may become a tune-out factor. It's much better to “invite” them on a journey. This does not mean we need to use a soft sappy voice, one with confidence and motivation will direct them to our word-in-print.
• Help convey why the book’s important to them in your interview. When you are 'the" expert people are more likely to listen. Pinpoint the need of your audience (remember your audience changes depending on the station) and explain how your book will meet their need and it’s a done deal!
• A host should never have to pull the why-you-are-there out of you. Stuttering or stammering says you’re not prepared! Know your product. This does not mean sounding overly prepared or stagnant – be fresh and to the point with lifts and lows in your voice. A rule of thumb is to follow the lead of your host – match their tone, pace, and preparedness and you will make them at ease. (more on this later)
• DO NOT talk over your host. You will become known as a talking hog and it does not reflect well with the host or the listeners. (remember the audience is there because they like listening to the host... let them) Sometimes we react like the child who grew up with 12 siblings; we race to the table and grab at the food to shovel it in fearing that we won’t get our share. This does not work well on television or radio; your pace should be – not too fast and not too slow – just right!

If you follow these tips you will have a greater chance of meeting the needs of the audience and being asked back as an expert in your field. I'm here to answer more of your questions or get your thoughts.

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August 4, 2008 | View or add comments

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