media life detroit
media life detroit
I Want To Be On TV!: How A Speaker Can Get On The Tube
Let’s face it, there simply is not a more effective form of promotion than a television appearance. Millions of Americans fall asleep every night watching their favorite late night talk show host engage in witty banter with a celebrity who also just happens to have a movie opening in a few days and wake up to the local news inviting us to take part in a charity cook-off that coming weekend. An image is worth a thousand words and when you combine an attractive image with soundbites and catchy graphics a crystal clear message is installed into the subconscious minds of all who are tuned in.
That message is…”I must be a part of that.”
I started my career in my hometown of St. Louis on a Top 40 radio station known then as HOT 97. I always looked forward to taking a short break from playing the latest New Kids On The Block song in order to interview a special guest. It could be anyone from a pet psychic to an artist who was passing through town. I didn’t care. I just enjoyed the interaction and my listeners did too. From HOT 97 I went on to host local entertainment segments on TV then it was off to Hollywood and E! Entertainment Television.
At E! I was fortunate enough to interview the biggest stars in the world. Actors, politicians, athletes…you name them and I have interviewed them. I loved every minute of and I’d like to think my guests enjoyed it as well. One of my proudest moments was when Academy Award winner-and all around great guy-Kevin Costner came up to me after the camera stopped rolling on our hour long interview together and said “I’ve been interviewed by the best…Oprah, Letterman…and you’re right up there, man. I really had a great time with you. Keep it up.” That meant so much to me.
Why is the sit down interview such a popular genre on TV? Because it is beneficial on several different levels. The most important of which is that the audience enjoys the laid back style and finds it entertaining. It is also informative. The interviewee realizes that he/she is relaying important information to a huge audience in a short amount of time. And the viewer walks away with information that they did not have before.
Today I get to enjoy both roles. Interviewer and interviewee. As the host of LIFE Radio with Todd Newton I get to speak one on one with leaders in the field of personal development and I learn just as much from these great speakers, authors and coaches as anyone listening. As a motivational speaker, stage hypnotist and the host of the popular new game show, Family Game Night, I also get the opportunity to appear as a guest on countless morning radio and TV shows around the country. I’m still waiting for Letterman’s people to call.
As you can imagine, appearing on these shows does wonders for the attendance at my events. Recently I was performing my stage hypnosis show HYPNOTASTIC in Detroit, MI. Prior to my appearance on the local morning news show we had sold 400 tickets which we were more than pleased with. After my segment, where I hypnotized a woman live on the air, an additional 200 tickets were purchased. The power of TV! People who probably had no idea I was even in town to do a show were suddenly made aware that I was there and saw something they wanted to see more of. That five minute segment told them who I was, why I was in town, where I was appearing, what they could expect to see and how much it was going to cost them. It also gave the TV station some interesting content for their program. Everybody came out a winner that day.
You do not need to be a famous actor or a hypnotist to be interviewed on television. As speakers, we have put so much love and effort into our presentations that what we offer from the stage will benefit enough people to make us fascinating subjects. We know from experience that audiences appreciate and learn from what we do. Now we just need to make those audiences grow through promotional appearances to allow our messages to spread farther and wider than ever before. Blast all the emails you want…nothing gets the word out quicker than a few minutes on the tube.
In my media presentation training (http://www.toddnewtonlive.com) I get asked on a regular basis how to get booked for an interview. My fast answer is to invest in a qualified publicist or PR firm. These amazing people are miracle workers who come equipped with a large Rolodex and, with a little research, you can find someone who will do wonders for your career. But a good publicist is not cheap. If you have budget concerns or you happen to be the “do it yourself” type you must be willing to put in a little legwork.
The first step is to identify the stations and programs that you want to go after. Start with the local stations in the community you will be having your speaking engagement in. Do a search on the Internet with the name of the town or city and the keywords “television stations.” Once you have a list, go to each of those stations’ websites and find out their formats and any satellite programs they may broadcast.
The easiest place to obtain that coveted interview is with local talk shows or as a local news story. So start there.
Emails and phone calls are a good place to start, but since everyone else is sending to and calling the newsroom, you will want to make yourself stand out. First, find out what local stories are hot and when you write your email or call, refer to that story in the subject line of your email and when you first call the station. When possible, refer to the reporter or producer responsible for the piece. Do not be intimidated. Instead, keep in mind that they are constantly on the lookout for interesting content. Like anyone else, their job is to make the boss happy. You will want to make them KNOW that you are aware of the local issues they are covering at that time and how your message will apply to it: the more of a “local angle” you can have, the better.
Really focus on becoming a part of their world. Refer to the local issue, tell them how your message fits in with that issue and how you can provide a unique angle to it. This may take a bit of creativity on your part. For example, if the issue locally is an increase in drug use at the school and you are a BUSINESS coach… how can you connect the dots?
The answer is… approach the problem identified in the issue as a business problem. How do you advise business professionals on problems they may find with their companies? The same technique can be applied if you are a life coach or a marriage counselor. It can also be applied to just about any issue: a plant shutting down, a conflict with local city government, local historic preservation, etc. The common denominator in all local issues and with your message is PEOPLE.
I also encourage my media presentation clients to “make the decision for them” by providing video clips or other press materials from previous appearances. In doing so, you are showing them exactly what is in store when they book you.
When it comes time to secure the date, I encourage you to offer the producer times that best work for YOU rather than wait for them to provide options. Obviously, your first choice would be to schedule your appearance to coincide with your speaking engagement, but that may not be possible. Sometimes, especially during busy times, talk shows are simply booked up. If a time is available AFTER your gig, still take it. It will serve as a reminder of the message you delivered at your speech and may open up new opportunities for future speaking engagements.
Okay, so now you have an interview scheduled. You know where you are going and what time to be there. What can you do to make sure this interview has an impact on the viewer and puts people in the seats?
First, make sure the interviewer asks the questions you want to be asked. Very few people want to work any harder than they absolutely have to and if you provide the anchor or host with several questions that you know you have great answers for you will drive that interview like a car. You will know exactly where the segment is going because YOU designed it and you be confident in knowing that all of the pertinent details will be touched upon. Also, if you have a witty or charming one liner that you know works, preparing the interview in advance gives you the certainty that you’ll be able to use it. We call this “rehearsed spontaneity” and, believe me, it is more common that you realize.
Second, go “business casual” when choosing wardrobe. Most live local shows try to be more “hip” or “edgy” than the standard news broadcast so it is to your advantage to play into that. Most, if not all, shows are available to view on the Internet so take a few minutes the week before to become familiar with the hosts, the look of the set and the energy of the show. This will avoid you showing up overdressed and give you a better idea of what’s in store.
Next, do not…I repeat DO NOT attempt to take over the interview. This is the point I drive home the hardest with my individual clients. Always remember that you are the guest. As an interviewer myself, I certainly appreciate a subject who smiles, laughs and gives great answers. What turns me off instantly is someone who takes my first question and does not stop talking until it’s time for a commercial break. TV is an industry filled with egos and I have yet to meet a host or anchor is wants to just sit their silently and look stupid. Realize and respect that an interview is a conversation not a monologue and the reason the audience has tuned in is because they enjoy the hosts. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by trying to steal the limelight. One big mistake I see people making while being interviewed is that they look at the camera when answering a question. NO! The viewer didn’t ask the question-the interviewer did. Stay focused and in the moment. Be conversational and engaging and remember it’s all about the back and forth.
Finally, do what Mom always told you to do. Say thank you. No matter what, make sure the last words out of your mouth in an interview are Thank You. The interviewer is wrapping things up for a reason. The segment is over and the producer is telling him/her in their tiny earpiece to move along now. All that will be said has been said so it’s important for you to end on a high note. Smile, thank the host and look towards the camera for that one final connection with the audience at home.
Your interview doesn’t end when the director yells “That’s a wrap!” Take an extra few moments to shake the hands of the hosts as well as the stage crew because a television show is a team effort. Everyone you see on the set contributed to making you look good and therefore contributed to the success of your event. Let them know that you appreciate them having you on and that you would love to come back again. Provide the producer with your direct contact information and, if appropriate, invite them to attend your presentation themselves. Heck, tell them to bring the cameras! This also gives you the opportunity to request a DVD copy of your appearance to post on your website or on YouTube.
Johnny Carson is, in my opinion, one of the greatest interviewers in TV history. I once saw an interview with Johnny in which he was asked what made him become such a loved star. His response, after that classic “aw shucks” chuckle of his was “Well, if indeed I am a star then it’s because I’ve spent my career letting the real stars shine.”
You’re a star. You know it and I know it. Now get out there and shine.
About the Author
Todd Newton is a veteran television host and international keynote speaker. His company, Todd Newton Life Strategies, coaches CEOs, politicians and executives in giving dynamic presentations and effective media appearances. For more information please visit http://www.toddnewtonlive.com
Why is Wright stabbing Obama in the back????? Don’t you get the feeling he doesn’t give a DIME about Obama?
Based on his recent comments, it feels like Wright has decided to knowingly stab Obama in the back. To destroy his campaign. That man KNOWS how much harm he’s doing with his crazy behavior…but he does it with PLEASURE, like a sadistic individual, taking pleasure in the harm.
Some say he’s frustrated b/c of how the media treated him blabla…well he made some BIZZARE and insulting claims in Detroit, about how Afr American kids learn..DIFFERENTLY. With the left part of the brain. WT..F? Really? Citing some 2 professors from an obscure university. I found that beyond insulting and I am white. I wonder if that community agrees with him now, after he basically insulted them all.
I think doesn’t actually care about reconcilliation. I think he lives in the past and actually Obama’s message kind of disporves his own theories…and discredits him. So now he is disrespecting everyone, going behind Obama’as back to do his own thing.
Disgusting.
He is trying to sabotage Obama’s campaign- if Obama wins the presidential nomination, what will “Reverend” Wright have to complain about on Sunday morning? It would be difficult to accuse an entire nation of racism if they anoint a black man as president- he might lose money and have to move out of that multi-million dollar mansion he built.
My Social Media Life
|
|
Def Leppard English Flag Coolie Cup $9.99 Keep your drink cold while rocking out with this coolie… |
|
|
Alex Super Baking set – 18 Piece Metal and Plastic Set $12.49 Measure, mix, prep, and bake some imaginary treats| This 18-piece set features a loaf pan, bear pan, heart pan, mixing bowl, rolling pin, whisk, measuring spoons and cup, pastry wheel, 2 star cookie cutters, 2 heart cookie cutter, and an oven mitt. Bon Appetit|… |
|
|
Set of 2 Heated Stainless Steel Travel Mugs Product Description Keep your favorite beverages hot at all times with this set of 2 stainless heated travel mugs. Plug the detachable cords into any standard 12v car adapter of your car truck or R/V. Durable stainless-steel construction and locking lids ensure a safe trip anywhere. Product Details 12V Heated Travel Mugs – Set of 2 ⢠Capacity: 16 ozs. ⢠Airtight l… |
|
|
Comforter – Crumble Bear $17.99 This is a soft plush comforter from the Once Upon a Time collection, featuring Crumble Bear. This super soft comforter is perfect to hold on to. Crumble is the feature of this comforter, his head and arms are built into the design. It doubles as a… |
|
|
Passion of the Christ: Songs (Original Songs Inspired by the Film) $16.98 … |
|
|
Egyptian Hieroglyphs Made Easy $19.99 Learning and understanding of the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic language. The hieroglyphic script was the longest lived and earliest form of the Egyptian language. Its use was limited primarily to religious and monumental inscriptions, whereas a more cursive script called hieratic was preferred for administrative and epistolary purposes. Hieroglyphic Egyptian employs pictures of objects, each with… |
|
|
GE 37771 R40 Heat Lamp, Red, 250-Watt $3.39 250 watt 120 volt R40 Medium Screw (E26) Base Red Heat Lamp Red Incandescent GE Light Bulb… |
|
|
Scarface – Vinyl Wall Decals Murals Stickers Art Graphic – 44H x29W – by üBer Decals $44.99 Better than wallpaper, wall stickers are a perfect way to decorate your room and express yourself. They are a fun, easy and removable decor solution. These stickers are pre-cut and will only take you several minutes to apply on any surface – walls, doors, windows, and more. Each of our designs come with easy instructions to follow. This is an original design from uBer Decals. All other sellers are… |
|
|
Botanical Interest – Squash Winter Tble King Acorn (Certified Organic) $2.99 Isn’t acorn squash the epitome of a fall vegetable? These glossy ribbed beauties are so attractive, you may want to display them in a basket on your table for awhile before cutting them open for dinner! An All America Winner in 1974, ‘Table King’ is still very popular decades later for its fabulous traits. The orange flesh has marvelous, rich flavor, and the fruit grows on very compact 4′ vines. (… |
|
|
Last Night Gus $1.99 … |
|
|
Google AdWords for The Small Business $16.99 Do you want to create stellar ads that turn into leads and sales? Do you want to minimize the costs of your ad campaigns? Are you spending a lot for a little return? This DVD can help and I believe save you $1,000′s. Do not go it alone; it will cost you in time and money. Learn from this product and get ahead of the pack. Knowing more than your competition is the only thing you need to beat him. … |
|
|
Charlie Rose – ‘What Just Happened?’ / Religulous (October 13, 2008) $24.95 A conversation about the film ‘What Just Happened?’ with Robert De Niro, Barry Levinson and Art Linson. || A conversation about the film Religulous with Bill Maher and Larry Charles.This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com’s standard return policy will apply…. |
|
|
Gecko Nasal Pad – Large, 4.12 Long $24.95 The Gecko Nasal Pad (formerly the Sleep Comfort Care Pad by Sequal) is intended for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) who experience pain and discomfort on or around the bridge of their nose associated with using nasal or full face masks. The pad acts as a cushion between the patient’s face and mask, and is simply placed across the bridge of the nose under the mask. The protective polyme… |
|
|
N.4 High Performance Hair Care – Jour d’automne Mighty Hair Spray – Style Collection 10 oz Aerosol $21.00 A strong, yet flexible hold hair spray that remains in place under high humidity conditions. Keeps hair soft and chic with a no hair spray feeling. Water-free, dry brushable spray gives strong support with no flakes or frizz. Hot tool and root lift values protect hair from heat. Innovative technology provides additional sunscreen properties. Creates long-lasting hair styles and immediate results f… |
|
|
Arm And Hammer Large Drawstring Liners – 29210 – Bci $6.25 Provides natural odor control from baking soda.For pans up to 18.5 x 14.75 x 9.75 .Size12 COUNTColor BCI – 684487… |
|
|
Arm And Hammer Hooded Pan System – 22118 – Bci $20.04 Compatible with arm and hammer deodorizer dispenser (sold seperately).Carbon/zeolite filter for odor control.Continuous antimicrobial protection.Door included.Easy to clean.Infused with arm and hammer odor neutralizers.SizeJUMBOColor WHITE/TANBCI – 684535… |
|
|
Cow Ears Case Of 50 Pack of 50 Vanilla Case Of 50 $55.95 Package of 50. Cow Ears Case Of 50 Pack of 50 Vanilla Case Of 50 Best Buy Bones All-natural and healthy pet treat. Baked, making these chews low fat and high in protein. Great alternative to rawhide. Ingredients… |
|
|
Kuzy® – AQUA BLUE Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $1.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
|
|
Sony ICF-C05iP Clock Radio for iPod (White) $49.99 With the Sony ICFC05iPWHT Clock Radio you can charge your iPod’s battery while you sleep. This Sony ICFC05iPWHT Clock Radio is the space-saving bedside accessory for iPod® and iPhone® users. Set the alarm to wake to the radio, iPod®, or a buzzer. The charging tray ensures both you and your iPod/iPhone® start the day with a fully charged battery. Plus, The Sony ICFC05iPWHT Clock Radio features … |
|
|
Kuzy – GREEN Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $1.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
|
|
Lilyette Women’s Minimizer Bra #427 $32.00 Experience the elegance of our Lilyette® Simplex Minimizer Bra with Embroidery!Minimizes your bust Elegant embroidery adds femininityNo wire poke throughFlexible fitFabric ContentCups: 69% Nylon, 31% Lycra® ElastaneEmbroidery: 57% Rayon, 31% Nylon, 12% PolyesterBack: 92% Nylon, 8% Lycra® ElastaneImported… |
|
|
Maidenform Flexees® Ultimate Slimmer Unlined Minimizer® Body Briefer Your flawless look will be complete with Flexees® Ultimate Slimmer Unlined Minimizer® Body Briefer! Minimizes and shapes the body Matte and shine fabric and lace accents provides feminine styling Perfect under all types of clothing Decreases the bust-line a full size Provides a flawless look under clothesFabric ContentCups and Front Panel: 78% Nylon, 22% ElastaneB… |
|
|
Lilyette Women’s Plunge Into Comfort Keyhole Minimizer $32.00 AS SEEN ON THE TODAY SHOWOur Lilyette® Keyhole Minimizer Bra’s sexy plunge design provides a V-shape pitch that enhances cleavage while providing a sexy and secure fit on the body! Minimizes size – not shapeEnhances CleavageSexy plunge stylingShimmering fabric appearanceGentle and comfortable on the bodyPrevents wire poke through Fabric ContentBody: 78% Polyamide, 22% ElastaneCup Lining… |
|
|
Spark Plugs Pack 10 $1.91 For automotive, motorcycle and marine engines. Unique copper core and exclusive electrode design assures fast starts, peak performance and long life. Chosen by more engine builders and car makers than any other. The source for serious power. . Sold in standard packs only. Package subject to change…. |
|
|
MANIFOLD SET R134a $83.99 Features and Benefits: Anti-flutter gauges smooth out needle movement Yellow hose includes shut-off valve Piston type free-floating valves reduce o-ring wear Extra access port for vacuum line Gauges can be recalibrated to maintain accuracyR-134A Brass Manifold with 3 60″ nylon barrier hoses and standard R-134A Couplers. Coupler sizes 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm and 19mm. Inner nylon layer … |
|
|
TOYOTA AVALON 2006-2012 CAR SUV Truck Auto Center Armrest Cover Center Armrest covers protect, renew and add comfort to the center console of your vehicle. This cover fits a 2006-2012 TOYOTA AVALON. Picture shown is of an example of our product on a center armrest. Cover is made from a fleece fabric and is machine washable… |
|
|
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): An Hour a Day $16.86 The third edition of the bestselling guide to do-it-yourself SEOGetting seen on the first page of search engine result pages is crucial for businesses and online marketers. Search engine optimization helps improve Web site rankings, and it is often complex and confusing. This task-based, hands-on guide covers the concepts and trends and then lays out a day-by-day strategy for developing, managing,… |
|
|
500 Key Words for the SAT, and How to Remember Them Forever! $9.77 500 Key Words for the SAT uses pictures and stories to help you remember the meanings of five hundred of the vocabulary words that appear most frequently on the SAT. Learning is fast, fun, and forever! Also: a special section in the back provides tips for the critical reading part of the SAT. Remember, even with recent changes to the SAT, vocabulary is as important as ever to getting a high score…. |
|
|
National Electrical Code 2008 Index Tabs $12.67 User-friendly and up-to-date, these National Electrical CodeTabs are a great way to organize the NEC 2008. These self-adhesive tabs can reduce the time spent searching to find key information. Tabs are durable and allow for positioning adjustments after being placed on the code paper. Affordable and time-saving, these are a must-have for NEC users…. |
|
|
The Ultimate Library…10,000 Books on Cd-rom This 4 CD-ROM set includes: Volume One Volume Two |
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
