Media Interviews: Tips to ensure your message is being delivered

Here is the scenario:
Your phone rings and it is the local newspaper looking for more information on a new product just launched by your company. 20 minutes later after you have hung up the phone you realize you forgot to mention the name of the new product and (gasp) forgot the name of the newspaper that called you. Whoops.

Preparing for your interview can take very little time, but those 30 seconds of preparation will make the difference in the delivery of your key message to the media.

How do you prepare for a media interview?
Here are a few tips and tricks from a Media Coach.

1) Who are you talking to?
Before starting an interview, be sure to get the name of the interviewer and who they are working for. If the person is calling from another city, get their location. Write down the information and keep it in front of you so you don't accidentally thank the wrong person, the wrong media outlet or say the wrong city. Very embarrassing.

2) The clock is ticking
Media outlets are always on a tight deadline. Therefore it is important to show up on time for a scheduled interview, or if they give you 3 minutes to explain your product you should stick to the time allotted. It is always a great idea to ask the interviewer ahead of time how much time they will give you. Respect their time and it will go a long way in ensuring a return visit from the media the next time.

3) Know what you are talking about
What is the product you have just introduced and how will it effect the lives of the consumers? The most effective presentations will avoid technical words or phrases that are not familiar to the general public. Stick to the facts and use real words that people will remember.

4) Speak in short sentences
Media outlets are always looking for the most effective sound byte that best describes the story or situation. In most cases it is a bold statement that is shorter than 15 seconds. Prepare your presentation using short responses - each providing valuable information and promotion about your product.

5) Show off your product
It seems obvious, but if you have just launched a brand new product you had better show it off to the media. You would be surprised how many people forget to put their new product in the spotlight. This could be the unveiling of a new logo, new vehicle, new staff member, etc. Show them off to the media.

6) Big finish
Remembering that you only have 15 seconds or less to make an impact, how will consumers find more information about you? This is where you have to decide to give your phone number, email address or web address. Pick the strongest ONE and stick with ONE. If you are crafty, you will find ways to include mentions of your website, blog, or social media sites within the body of the interview.

If you can master these techniques you will become much more effective in the delivery of your message to the media.

-Darren

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Social Media; A Journalists Best Friend

A recurring message to my clients is the importance of using Social Media to connect with new clients and customers. I am not surprised to learn the results of a recent survey conducted by Cision and Don Bates of The George Washington University, found that an overwhelming majority of reporters and editors now depend on social media sources when researching their stories.



Of the Journalists surveyed for the October 2009 report, almost all (89%) reported using Blogs for story research.

When it comes to publishing, promoting and distributing what journalists wrote, almost two thirds (64%) reported using Blogs followed by Facebook, Linked In, Twitter and You Tube.



Journalists also report using Google as the main tool for on-line research, with Wikipedia rating as the next favorite, followed by Firefox and Yahoo.



Sure, Social Media sources might be less reliable for news reporting. It is still one of the best ways to build an on-line profile for your business and build Media Relations with your local media outlets.

So think of this; when you send a media release or are making a big corporate announcement, the majority of Journalists and News reporters will use the Internet and social media to do their research. Perhaps it is time to really take a good look at what your website and social media sites are saying about you.

Contact me directly if you wish to view this full report.

-Darren

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Canadian Musicians Produce Song for Haiti

I have been very fortunate to be part of many exciting project launches in my years. The most recent: Heartbeat For Haiti.

On January 12, 2010 – a magnitude 7.0 earthquake reduced Port-au-Prince, Haiti to rubble. In the days following this catastrophic event, many individuals and organizations came together to provide comfort, aid and support for a country in need.

Responding to the cries for help, the Calgary music community banded together to create and produce a song in support of Haiti relief efforts. HEARTBEAT FOR HAITI features the contributions of local emerging artists representing a full spectrum of musical genres, from Pop to Rock, Folk to R&B. Proceeds from sales of the song “(I Wrote You) A Song” and supporting compilation CD will go to World Vision Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.

The song “(I Wrote You) A Song” has been distributed to every radio station in Canada for airplay consideration. To support the radio release, a website has been launched where you can learn more about the HEARTBEAT FOR HAITI project and more importantly, where you can purchase and download our fundraising song.
www.heartbeatforhaiti.com

Who is HEARTBEAT FOR HAITI? Produced at The Beach Recording Studio in Calgary, Alberta, this song was written by local emerging artists Amy Heffernan, Jessica Day and Steve Dodd. It is our contribution to the rebuilding of Haiti and also an opportunity to expose the exceptional talent of our local music scene.

How can you help? Call your favorite radio station in Canada and ask them to play the song. Tell your friends about Heartbeat For Haiti. Spread the word on your Social Media sites.

You can find us on Twitter and on Facebook.

And why is a Media Coach in Calgary Alberta involved in this project? The answer is simple: my desire to help the citizens in Haiti, my passion for music, and the thrill of working with so many talented emerging Artists from the local music scene.

-Darren
Executive Producer - Heartbeat For Haiti
President - Speak Media Consulting, offering innovative and effective communications solutions

4 minutes that will change your view on the Power of Social Media

As a Media Coach and Consultant, I spend a lot of time each day reviewing material to assist the success or my clients. This is one of the most powerful presentations I have seen.



Please - I beg you - share this link with an employer who insists that Social Media is still a fad.

-Darren
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Customer Service: on-line vs. off-line

How much time, effort and resources are you (your company) spending on customer service? Are you providing quality customer service, or simply assigning those duties elsewhere?

Providing great customer service starts with listening.

Your sales people on the showroom floor are customer service representatives for your company. So are the in-home installers, your receptionist, the CEO, even the brand new staff member you just hired in shipping.

In today's environment, your clients and customers are looking for information about you and your company from every level of staff member you have employed. What are your customer service representatives - your staff - saying about your company, your brand, your reputation? I am not suggesting you put a muzzle on everyone, nor am I telling you how to run your team. However, if you want to create the groundwork for great (or expectational) customer service, it must first start with a staff of great listeners. Empower your staff to be less defensive when someone provides negative feedback about your company or a product you provide. Hey, everyone has their right to an opinion. Instead of barking back a response, one of the most disarming phrase a great customer service representative can offer are the words "thank you for your feedback".

These guidelines should also be applied to your on-line customer service. In fact, social media is one of the best places to provide customer service and build positive relationships with your clients and wanna be clients.

You have probably heard how Domino's Pizza turned negative comments about their product into a very creative and successful advertising campaign. I applaud them (Domino's) for this tactic. While many were quick to point out all the negative comments that were being posted on their website and social media about their product, Domino's Pizza were able to diffuse the situation by turning it into a positive campaign.

You know it all to well. Clients either like you, do not know about you, or do not like you. What are you doing on-line and off-line to build stronger relationships with your "A" list of clients, and more importantly, what are you doing to gain the trust, respect and financial rewards from the other groups?

Providing exceptional Customer service goes a long way both on-line AND off-line.

-Darren
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Hey media, Look over here! Tips to building Media Relations

12,000 fire victims receive warm Christmas dinner.

That grabbed your attention.

A strong headline is necessary to grab the attention of the media and the public, but you first have to grab the attention of the media to help you reach the public.

Building strong Media Relations
1) Who are you
It is very important to first know who you are, the product you offer and who is your target audience. From here, create a media strategy that will enable you to reach your consumer.

2) Know your Media options
Take a look at all the media organizations in your community, or if you are a national company, look at all your global media options. What media operations connect with your target audience? Take your time and do your research on this one. Media trends are rapidly changing and you need to be on top of these changes to effectively engage your audience.

3) Media contacts
In addition to knowing who to contact to place an advertising order with your local media outlets, it is also important to get to know who is in charge of content. News Directors, News Editors, Program Directors; these are all people you should reach out and network with. You can usually find their contact information on their company website or try a simple phone call to the main switchboard. Politely explain who you are and who you are trying to reach.

4) Offer something unique
Armed with your list of media contacts, give them a reason to contact you or become interested in your company and your product. Are you a specialist that could provide useful comment and content for their media operation? This is something that is unique to them and provides you with an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with your local media.

5) Leave them wanting more
If your company is launching a brand new product or service during a splashy media blitz, launch with your well planned statements, graphs, pictures and presentations. The key; less is more. Leave the media wanting more. To ensure the media has as much background and information about your launch, it is also wise to present them with printed documentation to support your company, product and/or services. Be sure each 'media kit' also includes a contact name and information along with a web site address.

6) Do not give up
Building a strong relationship with media is just like real life relationship building - it takes time. Be patient. Do not be offended if you have not received a returned phone call or email immediately after you first make contact with your media list. Have you seen the Kevin Costner movie "Field of Dreams"? Remember the famous line; If you build it, they will come. If you have something they (the media) can use, they will contact you.

To receive more tips and consultation on how to use the media more effectively, please contact me directly.

-Darren

January Promotion: FREE Consultation

To celebrate the start of a new year, I am excited to announce an exciting promotion for the month of January 2010.

Speak Media Consulting is growing. To assist you and your business develop stronger and more effective communication with your clients through the media, I am excited to announce a very special offer:

6 Hour FREE Media Consultation

Speak Media Consulting offers a variety of coaching and consultation services all to help you develop measurable engagement with your target audience. Do you want to learn how to use social media more effectively? Do you want to learn how to use the traditional media (Radio, Television, Newspaper) more effectively? Do you know how to manage the media in a crisis? Do you want to become a more effective public speaker and media personality? I will work with you and your staff and provide a FREE 6 hour coaching and consultation package, AND provide one month of email or telephone support.

This offer is available to you as a valuable recipient of my email newsletters. This offer is also available to all new email sign-ups in the month of January. On February 1, 2010, I will randomly select one name from my email database and award this coaching and consultation package. Approximate value: $2000.

Click here to sign up to be eligible for this special promotional offer.

Forward to a Friend BONUS:
At the risk of sounding like a Television infomercial, this January FREE offer gets even better! Forward this to a friend and you could also receive a free bonus.

On February 1, 2010 when I select one lucky winner for this January FREE offer, I will ask who referred them to sign up to this free promotion. If you were the person who referred the winner, you will receive a complimentary 1-hour FREE Media Consultation designed to meet the challenges faced by your current media messaging.

Sign up now to receive my email newsletter and take advantage of this January FREE offer.

Good luck, and thanks for reading.

-Darren

Effective presentation techniques

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to become a more confident and effective public speaker, you will quickly learn it will take a lot of practise and persistence.

Not everyone was born to be a smooth-talking, confident and engaging public speaker. Phew. That should make you feel more at ease. However your roles may have changed and you now find yourself having to make presentations to the media, share holders or other interest groups. Are you prepared?

Effective public speaking is an art that can be learned. You must first take stock of your strengths and weaknesses.
Comfort Level:
Do you get nervous at the thought of standing up in front of others? Or, are you comfortable giving presentations?

Voice Tone:
Do you speak too fast or have a monotone delivery? Or, are you able to control your voice to make it the most effective during a presentation?

Presentation:
Do you stumble with a script that is written and prepared? Or, are you able to make a presentation as if you had rehearsed the script for days?

Audience Engagement:
Does your audience seem to lose interest after only a few lines of your presentation? Or are you able to draw your audience into your presentation and keep them engaged?

When it comes to audience engagement, use these words of advice from Author and Public Speaking Coach, Alan Stevens:
1) Insight. Your audience expects you to be well-informed on your topic. You need to be general enough to get your ideas across, but show that you have an insight that no-one else has come up with.

2) Analogies/Parallels. You need to be able to demonstrate how a current situation relates to one that has gone before. This makes it much easier for your audience to understand.

3) Evidence. It's no good making statements that you can't justify. You need to provide examples to support your argument, rather than to make your argument.

4) Endorsement. This is like calling an expert witness in a court case. If you can cite (other) acknowledged experts who agree with you, it makes your case much stronger.

5) Humour. This is not (definitely not) joke-telling. Leave that to the stand-up comedians. Your humour should be natural and in context with the speech.

And finally, a few tips that will help you feel more at ease with your next public speaking engagement.
- Prepare a script and rehearse it many times. Practise in front of objective but supportive friends or family members. Allow for a few minor edits along the way, but at least you will be prepared. Try to stick with the script as much as you can.
- Someone else prepared your script. These are the most tricky because the person writing the script is not familiar with your delivery. So take the time to personalize the script (within reason) and be sure the font is big enough so you can read it.
- Arrive early to your presentation. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the room and your surroundings. Even if there are only a few people in the room, test the sound system to be sure everything is working.
- Eye contact. It is very important to make eye contact with as many people in the room as you can. If you are too nervous, look to people you recognize in the crowd. This should make you more comfortable.
- Water is your best friend. Keep a glass of room temperature water close by. You will find other liquids like soda and fruit juices will create a lot of phlegm while coffee and tea can dry out your vocal chords. Just remember, too much water might cause the need to make a quick trip to the washroom just before your presentation.
- Control your nerves. Before making your presentation take a few deep breaths and slowly exhale.
- Slow down and focus on key words. If you find that you talk too rapidly, you must make a conscious effort to slow down. Take the time to stop on key words or phrases in your presentation. Allow the audience a moment to evaluate the point you are making.
- Open and close with your strongest statement. You need to earn their interest at the beginning and you need to leave your audience with something to remember at the end.
- Video tape or record your presentation. This one usually hurts to watch but if you want to become more effective in your presentations, you need to be able to critique your own performance. All the top presenters do.

Good luck and happy presenting in the New Year.

-Darren

To view Alan Stevens blog click here.

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Are you engaging or on autopilot?

Greg Johnson is a Radio Programmer in Fort McMurray, Alberta. I have had the pleasure of working with Greg and have experienced his dedication and witnessed his creative mind. While this article was originally written for the benefit of Radio broadcasters, it has many applications for just about every employee of every industry, big or small.
Here is his article.


As I flew home the other day from Edmonton, Westjet reinforced some of the fundamentals of radio that have been preached since Marconi.

The BASICS.
The flight attendant came over the intercom - blasé and monotone (think Eeyore) - and delivered the spiel. You know: how to do up your seatbelt, how to suck oxygen in case of an emergency. As an attendant she's delivered that spiel 1001 times this week alone. But wait. What if I had been flying for the first time? I would have never heard the spiel before, and the information would be very informative and compelling. Plus, there were some new jokes that I hadn't heard before (something about turning off your electronic devices: cell phones, lap tops, George Foreman Grills). But, with her less than upbeat delivery, she glossed over all her jokes and the humour fell flat.

If you sound bored - you ARE boring. When they do the safety spiel, we think "blah blah blah". Listen to how it's delivered. There is no emotion. No attempt to make it sparkle ... therefore I'm making no attempt to listen. Think there's no way to make the safety spiel interesting?

What are you doing to make the basics leap through the radio? Make them count. Traffic & Weather. Time & Temp. Station ID and your Name. You'll deliver it endless times throughout your show. Are you blasting through them or giving the Basics their due? Someone has just gotten into their vehicle and is hearing it for the first time. Make it sound like you're saying it for the first time. That Rappin' Flight Attendant clip? Might have been the first time you've seen it. Betcha he's been doing that for 3 flights / day for months. But he delivered it like the first time.

Quite honestly, no one is worth listening to if they don't sound like they're having fun.

Don't LIE.
The weather was awful. Snow, slush & wind. I expected delays. All the Departure boards projected "On Time". The Captain made no mention of delays. When it came time to de-ice the plane, the Captain came over the intercom and said, "This should only take 10 minutes". Problem is, it didn't. It took 40 minutes. BIG DIFFERENCE. And not only did he lie about the time frame, there was no update on what the hold up was until after we were making our way to the runway.

If you're going to do something on the show, then DO IT. You are making a promise to the listener. Saying "a couple of minutes" or "in a bit" is not only vague, but has different meanings to different people. "@ 7:40" or "in 10 minutes" is concrete.

The other point is immediacy. The pilot is my information source. As passengers we were visibly agitated, and the pilot made no attempt to update us on our status. In radio, we are the eyes and ears - and we have the ability to provide up-to-the-second information. Don't ignore the needs of our "passengers". "Air Canada" is only a couple dial positions away.

Sometimes We Need to Be SERIOUS.
The Pilots introduced themselves as "Neil & Matt at the front of the plane". Call me old fashioned, but I'd at least like to know that it's "Captain Neil and Co-Pilot Matt in the cockpit". "Hey everyone it's Neil & Matt" … they sound like the new design team on HGTV. It irked me that the pilot was joking around. Was he going to do some rolls and loops in the sky?

Sometimes we need to be serious, human and sincere. Amber Alert … stick to the script. River Break 2009 … flooding is not funny. Ask Manitoba. Know your role in certain situations. People will come to us for serious information and a quick joy buzzer gag could kill all credibility.

If you went to see a new doctor and he came into the examination room and said, "Hey there -- I'm Rick!" … I doubt you'd even stick around to hear the glove snap.

Don't Be THAT Guy Who Reclines His Seat.

I'm sure I could find some radio analogy here … but the truth is planes are packing us in and we ain't getting any thinner. If you recline, you're a prick. I only wish I had my 2 year old with me to kick your seat for the entire flight.

Greg Johnson
Program Director
COUNTRY 93.3 / ROCK 97.9
Fort McMurray, AB
w. 780.743.2246
f. 780.791.7250
greg.johnson@rci.rogers.com

Thank you Greg.
-Darren

Tiger Woods not on par with Media

Tiger Woods is undoubtedly one of the worlds greatest athletes. He is worth millions and is adored by even more around the globe. Now all eyes are on this fearless legend not by his actions on the golf course but because of his actions, or lack there of, following his car crash early Friday morning, November 27, 2009.

Allow me to quickly provide you with the timeline of events:
Friday around 2:25am; Tiger crashes his SUV into a fire hydrant and then a tree while attempting to leave his Florida home.
Friday afternoon around 3:30pm; some 13 hours later, news of this crash hit the media. Not many details of the crash were available and no comments were made by Tiger Woods.
Saturday; no comments from the great one, only a flurry of speculation by the media.
Sunday afternoon; Tiger releases a statement on his website stating the accident was his fault, his wife Elin was not to blame, and that this was a private matter and wanted to keep it that way. He even declined to be interviewed by the local Police.
Monday morning; Tiger announces his withdrawal from his own golf tournament this week and does not plan to play golf until the New Year.

Where did Tiger go wrong? Silence.
Recently, many celebrities including David Letterman have learned the easiest way to control a situation is to come clean, tell the truth and admit the mistake. Everyone makes mistakes. Own up to them and move on. Instead, Tiger's silence has opened the doors for more negative comment and more harm to his squeaky-clean good name. We are living in the 'now' generation. We do not want to wait for answers, we want them now. If we do not get the answers we are seeking, we will look to any source to provide the information. This is how rumours grow rampant.

In a time of crisis, follow these 5 steps and control the situation:
1) Use the media to your advantage
As soon as you are able, call a media conference and explain as much information as you can without getting into private details.
2) Prepare a statement
When giving your account of the crisis, you will be glad that you have prepared a statement in advance. Camera flashes, microphones and the excitement of the moment will be overwhelming. Be prepared.
3) Admit the mistake
If you are at fault, tell the truth and admit the mistake. Enough said.
4) Focus on your message
After giving your statement, be prepared to answer several questions from the media. Focus on your message and do not deviate from that message. Once you go 'off the script' you will be open to more questions and speculation (not to mention more expensive Lawyers)
5) Correct the un-truths
After you have provided the truth about the crisis, be sure to correct media operations that continue to publish incorrect information. Try first with a phone call. If that is not successful, have your Lawyer intervene.


Are you prepared to face the music when crisis occurs at your company or organization?

-Darren

Three tips to a successful career

Ask any top executive about their career, and they are most always willing to share a few anecdotes about the good old days. I am certainly no veteran but I have had the privilege to learn from some great minds that have passed along bits and pieces of wisdom that I have carried with me throughout my career.

Regardless of title, rank or years of experience, I began to hear recurring themes from these great executive. They have been in the trenches, done all the back breaking work, and heard all the excuses. If it has worked for them it should work for me, right?

While coaching new staff or when asked to speak to University and College students I always refer to my “Theory of Three”. Three principles I have gleaned from watching, listening and learning from my mentors.


1) Take care of yourself
Sounds simple enough, yet one we tend to brush off.
As a manager we require staff to work at their peak performance level every day. However the moment a staff member phones in ‘sick’ (we’re heard every excuse in the book), it puts a strain on all the remaining staff who are required to fill the void. There are limits to everything but the more ‘sick’ days you take, the more apt you are to finding yourself taking an order at a drive-thru window. Take care of yourself. Drink lots of water, take vitamins, go to the gym, stop smoking, lay-off the all night parties - take care of your voice and take care of your body. Do not give your manager a reason to go looking for your replacement, because there are many fresh faces who want your job.

2) Never burn bridges
There are only a handful of companies in Canada.
OK,I know there are many more than three but think of all the people you know in your line of business. Now think about all the managers they know? In conversation with any Manager you will quickly find they know a lot of the same people you network with. They know two friends, and so on, and so on, and so on.
There are no secrets. We talk.
As a Manager who does reference checks when going through the hiring process I might phone one person on your resume. I will most likely check your Facebook page. Or in most cases, I will drop an email to another person who I know from that city, company or at your business. Like any Jerry Springer show, we will find the truth, without having to throw any chairs around. As I mentioned earlier, there are only a handful of companies in Canada. They should be your best friend. Network with other managers as much as you can. Make them your support team the next time you are looking for a new career change.

3) Always be accepting to change
This has happened to me, as it will happen to everyone several times in their career. Does this sound familiar? One day you are doing a dream job at a great company, the next day you are in the General Managers office being laid-off because of a company restructure or other major changes. It sucks. How could this be happening to YOU, the ‘star’?!
That is the nature of the business world. If you have followed the first two rules I listed then, in most cases you are not being fired because of something you have done. It is a decision out of your control perhaps made in a boardroom across the country, but you will survive. If you are lucky, you might find yourself transferring to a new position or to a new location because your talents are needed there. Be accepting to change. In today’s industry, most companies use words like centralization and shared resources. That boils down to fewer positions available in the work force. Which would you prefer; a paying job or that drive-thru window gig at the hamburger place on the corner of town.

Bottom line is: never give your manager a reason to fire you. There are many people who want your job. Do not get voted off the island.

I have offered three very basic principals that will affect you somewhere along the way just as they have for my journey.
We are all on a rollercoaster ride of a lifetime. Have fun and enjoy the ride.