As a PR agency owner for more than a decade now, it’s no surprise that I believe in full-service media relations and the power it has to launch authors, thought leaders, and organizations into household names.
I’ve seen what it can do for our hundreds of clients over the years, from Mel Robbins to Dr. Gabrielle Lyon.
But is hiring a publicist for full-service PR really your next best step in promoting your book or sharing your message or cause?
Nardi’s Take: Everyone would benefit from full-service PR, but you might not need it–at least not yet.
You actually might benefit from media training first.
Why Media Training Might Be Your Best Next Step.
As a former network TV producer at The Early Show on CBS News and energyNOW! on Bloomberg TV, I believe everyone could benefit from media training.
Think of it as the practice ring that gets you prepared for the big stage.
It takes you from being an author or leader with an important story or message to share to becoming a brilliant expert who captivates audiences worldwide the second you start speaking.
If you’re in a rush to dive into media training so you can move on to placing yourself in the media, you can try my free, 23-minute Media Training Crash Course to get you camera-ready. We also offer 1:1 private or in-person virtual media training with one of Nardi Media’s experts for more personalized support if that’s what you prefer.
If you’re not sure what you need right now–whether it’s media training or the spotlight–ask yourself these five questions first to find out what your next best step should be.
Question #1: Do I Know What Journalists Want As It Relates to My Message?
When you pitch yourself to the media, you’re not really writing your pitches for YOU–you’re writing them for the journalists, producers, and bookers who have the power to place you on their TV network, radio station, print/online outlet, or podcast.
Before you even start writing your pitch emails, think about what a journalist might be looking for. Journalists want stories that resonate with their audience. They want messages that teach something to their audience or reveal something they didn’t already know.
So, as you’re pitching, think: how can my story or expertise benefit the audience of this outlet I’m pitching?
Question #2: Do I Have a Strong, Camera-Ready Story?
Everyone has a story to tell, but having a camera-ready story is very different.
A camera-ready story should be positive in tone and content, story-like, and less than one minute long–even better if you can do it in 30 seconds!
Some of my best secrets for creating a powerful, camera-ready story are to showcase your credibility, be specific in your storytelling, use empathy, and use simple language that anyone can understand.
I call this recipe for a powerful message your Simple Communications Statement. You’ll learn more about how to create a Simple Communications Statement in my Media Training Crash Course. I even share mine so you can see an example!
Question #3: Do I Have Good Body Language While Speaking?
I always say that speaking your message out loud and writing it down are two completely different things–and body language is a big contributor.
That’s why media training isn’t just about focusing on how you speak your message, it’s about your eye contact, the type of chair you’re using (do NOT use a swivel chair!), whether you’re sitting up straight or slumped over, if you’re using your hands, and if you’re distracted, just to name a few.
Question #4: Do I Know What I Might Get Asked In An Interview?
In a perfect world, a journalist would send you their interview questions in advance, but that rarely ever happens.
That doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for the questions you might be asked.
As expert media trainers and publicists, we know exactly what journalists typically ask in an interview. Here at Nardi Media, we bucket these questions into three categories: Ideal Questions, Google Questions, and Killer Questions.
These questions will be different for everyone, depending on their expertise, message, and background. You’d learn more about how these questions pertain to you in our 1:1 private media training.
Question #5: Do I Practice Speaking My Message Out Loud?
This is the single most important way you can prepare for an interview!
Just as with any presentation, practicing speaking your message out loud is crucial to having a successful interview. It’s how you get all the kinks out before you go LIVE!
Speaking of getting the kinks out… the best way to do so is to record yourself speaking your message.
I know what you’re thinking… “I hate hearing my voice!” “I hate watching myself on camera!”
Trust me, I’m right there with you. Not many people do. But when you’re on camera speaking live in front of hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people, you will not want to look back and regret the way you look and speak while practicing your message. I can’t let you feel that way!
As you’re watching yourself back, notice any improvements you need to make and celebrate your progress!
Your Best Next Step
If you answered “yes” to all five questions, congratulations, you’re ready for the camera, and ready for full-service PR!
If you answered “no” to any of the five questions, you could probably benefit from some media training. But, don’t sweat it!
If want to be camera-ready as soon as possible, try my free, 23-minute Media Training Crash Course, but if you want some personalized support with one of our media experts, our 1:1 private or in-person virtual media training is the best move for you.
We can’t wait to see where your media journey takes you! You’ve got this!