Tag Archive for: communication

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Using Video to Connect with Agents and Editors

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BONUS FREEBIE: I have a resource for you that will help you prepare to talk with media and audiences. It’s the 10 Questions Every Author Needs to Answer. You can grab the fiction and nonfiction lists here.

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Trend Alert: Video queries to literary agents and book editors are gaining traction, especially for non-fiction authors. 

Using video to query agents and book editors will become increasingly popular! There I said it! Video is such a powerful tool for building a following and engaging with the media. So why not use it to query agents and book editors?

Turns out — some authors are already creating short videos to go in query letters to agents and editors. It’s a fantastic opportunity to share your personality and stand out. I’ve helped my media-training clients create videos for sales teams for their book once it’s sold, but what about using it earlier in the process? 

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Media Trainer vs. Publicist: How We Complement Each Other and Are Different

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BONUS FREEBIE: I have a resource for you that will help you prepare to talk with media and audiences. It’s the 10 Questions Every Author Needs to Answer. You can grab the fiction and nonfiction lists here.

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I’m a media trainer.

That means I work with authors and experts to help them communicate their message to their audience.

Together, we work on defining a message and a narrative that will capture their audience’s attention. This helps authors get (and keep!) media attention and reach the people who need to hear what they have to say. 

Lots of people think media training and publicity are one and the same.

But the job of a publicist is distinct. As an author, it’s important to know the difference. Once you know what each one does, you can create a media plan that draws on the resources of both jobs. I’ve worked with publicists for years as a senior television producer when they would pitch their authors to me. And now as a media training we team up again so I can help get their authors ready for primetime interviews. 

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about media trainers and public:

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5 Things Never To Say in An Interview

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BONUS FREEBIE: I have a resource for you that will help you prepare to talk with media and audiences. It’s the 10 Questions Every Author Needs to Answer. You can grab the fiction and nonfiction lists here.

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As an author, appearing in the media is a key opportunity to promote your book, share your insights, and connect with your audience. However, there are certain things you should avoid saying in an interview — these no-nos can derail your message or even alienate potential readers and fans. 

When I work with clients on media training, there are a few things that always come up that I recommend authors stop saying right away. 

Here are five things to stop saying in interviews (and what to say instead!). 

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1. “Thank you.”

Yep — this one comes as a shocker to most people. But saying “thank you” constantly is one of my biggest pet peeves. 

It usually goes like this: the interviewer asks the expert a question, and the expert responds by saying something like, “Thank you for having me” or “Thank you for asking me that question.” 

Agh! I always wish I could tell them to cut it out. It’s not a matter of being rude. I know we’re socialized to say “thank you” all the time, but it’s a bad habit when you’re appearing as an expert. We already know you’re thankful to be there — and talking about it is wasting precious time. You could be using that time to get your message across — a message that can help people. 

TV news moves fast, don’t waste time! 

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How to Handle Unexpected Questions in a Media Interview

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BONUS FREEBIE: Your message deserves the media’s attention. So how do you get out there in a bigger way? I’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to grab my free “Checklist to Become a Go-To Media Expert.”

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Doing media interviews is an exercise in accepting the unknown. You need to accept that as much as you prepare, you won’t be able to predict every single thing that happens.

The best way to prepare for media interviews is to decide beforehand how you’re going to handle unexpected questions. This is half a mental game (how will you respond with grace?) and half about preparing for the kinds of pushback you’re likely to encounter. 

Because while your goal is to put yourself out there and share your message with your audience, that doesn’t mean everyone will respond to your content the same way.

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The Communication Skills You Need

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BONUS FREEBIE: Your message deserves the media’s attention. So how do you get out there in a bigger way? I’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to grab my free “Checklist to Become a Go-To Media Expert.”

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Everyone can benefit from taking a communication skills course. (Yes, even you!) Think about it — we’re communicating at work and at home every day. All day.

I was a television news producer for almost 20 years and my expertise is working with the media. When I work with authors and leaders one-on-one, we talk about how to look their best on camera, what to say, and I give them tips to make their own videos.

Sure, you can learn communication skills on your own, or you can learn from me in my popular LinkedIn Learning course, External Communication Skills for Leaders.

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Amplifying Your Work with Books

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BONUS FREEBIE: Your message deserves the media’s attention. So how do you get out there in a bigger way? I’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to grab my free “Checklist to Become a Go-To Media Expert.”
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Books can boost your platform, brand, message, or business. And help you gain more media exposure. As a TV producer for many years, I can tell you when producers are deciding between two similar experts, they choose the one who is published. I know I did.

However, the process of writing a book proposal and reaching out to agents can be intimidating. I get it. I’ve written two books (Listful Thinking and Listful Living) and have a third in the works. (It’s fiction, can’t wait to share!)

But you can’t let fear stop you. If you want to reach more people, it’s time to get started on your book.

I spoke with publishing expert, coach, and host of the Bound + Determined podcast, Richelle Fredson, on my live-streaming show Inside Scoop, to help you start amplifying your work with books.

Here are four things to know when working on your first book proposal to amplify your work.

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Being Prepared for Pushback

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BONUS FREEBIE: Your message deserves the media’s attention. So how do you get out there in a bigger way? I’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to grab my free “Checklist to Become a Go-To Media Expert.”
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Be authentic and put yourself out there. Share your expertise. Just be your authentic self and people will respond to your message.

That’s good advice. But that doesn’t mean everyone will respond to your content.

It’s hard enough to ignore trolls on the internet, but sometimes you’ll face skeptical anchors on live tv as well. So it’s important to be prepared.

I’ve been on both sides of this. Both as an expert and as a journalist. Both sides are doing their job – seeing both sides of the story

I’ll admit I was even a bit thrown off when this happened to me during a recent interview on WPIX in New York. I was talking about how to have a four-day work week and the anchor just wasn’t buying it.

He said, “How much of this is fantasy land?”

Here are three ways to get through someone questioning your expertise.

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Being Relatable in a Virtual World

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BONUS FREEBIE: Your message deserves the media’s attention. So how do you get out there in a bigger way? I’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to grab my free “Checklist to Become a Go-To Media Expert.”

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We’ve all heard phrases like “be yourself,” “be authentic,” “just be you” and your following, relationship, etc. will fall into place. That’s hard enough. But it’s even harder to do on video.

So how do you stay relatable in our new hybrid world and make lasting connections in your personal and professional life?

Relationship Expert, Speaker, Author, & Media Personality, Rachel Dealto joined me recently on an episode of my live-streaming show, Inside Scoop, to discuss her new book called “Relatable: How to Connect with Anyone, Anywhere (Even If It Scares You)” which covers how to achieve those goals.

Here’s a quick guide to staying authentic and building relationships in person and online.

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Four Ways to Master Post-Pandemic Etiquette

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BONUS FREEBIE: Your message deserves the media’s attention. So how do you get out there in a bigger way? I’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to grab my free “Checklist to Become a Go-To Media Expert.”

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So many of us are getting back to in-person or hybrid work, which is something to celebrate. In fact, I have a whole course on LinkedIn Learning dedicated to the topic. It’s called Enhance Productivity in a Hybrid Work Environment. 

But this new phase also introduces some uncertainty when it comes to interacting with coworkers who you likely haven’t seen in person in months. 

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Case Study: Becoming a Go-To Expert with Chris Kilham

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BONUS FREEBIE: Your message deserves the media’s attention. So how do you get out there in a bigger way? I’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to grab my free “Checklist to Become a Go-To Media Expert.”

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If you’re an author or expert, you probably dream of being a producer’s first call — that expert they know they can go to for high-quality content. 

But how can you get there? One of the best ways to plot out your career goals is to look at others who have done it before you. 

That’s why I want to introduce you to Chris Kilham, also known as the Medicine Hunter. His speciality is alternative medicine, and he’s traveled the world looking for healing plants. Chris has written fourteen books during his long (and colorful!) career!

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