How to Sound Your Best for a Phone Interview
This is a republishing of the September 8, 2009 issue of "PR Tip of the Month." Subscribe here.
By Gina Cuclis
Most media interviews are done on the phone. Unless you're being interviewed for television, staff reductions in newsrooms mean reporters don't have the time to visit you. This includes radio reporters, who record phone interviews and then select short clips — sound bites — to air in their stories.
Stand Up
The secret to sounding your best when answering questions on the phone is to stand up. It gives you more energy and makes your voice sound brighter. When you stand you also avoid slouching or leaning, which can dull the tone of your voice.
Don't Read Your Talking Points
To be credible, you must sound like you're talking. It's difficult to read anything over the phone and not sound like you're reading. Have your talking points and press release handy for reference, but don't read from them to answer questions. Make sure you know your material before you give interviews.
For more tips to prepare you for media interviews, read the October 2007, November 2007, February 2008 and March 2008 issues of PR Tip of the Month.
By Gina Cuclis
Most media interviews are done on the phone. Unless you're being interviewed for television, staff reductions in newsrooms mean reporters don't have the time to visit you. This includes radio reporters, who record phone interviews and then select short clips — sound bites — to air in their stories.
Stand Up
The secret to sounding your best when answering questions on the phone is to stand up. It gives you more energy and makes your voice sound brighter. When you stand you also avoid slouching or leaning, which can dull the tone of your voice.
Don't Read Your Talking Points
To be credible, you must sound like you're talking. It's difficult to read anything over the phone and not sound like you're reading. Have your talking points and press release handy for reference, but don't read from them to answer questions. Make sure you know your material before you give interviews.
For more tips to prepare you for media interviews, read the October 2007, November 2007, February 2008 and March 2008 issues of PR Tip of the Month.
Posted by Gina Cuclis at 9/8/2009 3:44 PM 
Categories: Media Interview Tips, Public Relations Tips
Tags: public relations interviews television radio
Categories: Media Interview Tips, Public Relations Tips
Tags: public relations interviews television radio
These are some very valuable tips. I had heard of most of them before, but they are still valuable and worth reading - especially if you haven't heard, or thought, of them before.
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