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Posts tagged ‘Journalism’

Sep 12

Are You Stuck?

Many people seek a coach when they feel stuck in a job, a specific work role, or a relationship. The first step in the coaching process is to help people clarify their goals. But fear, doubt and other negative emotions can block people from taking action to reach those goals.

Striving for something better is scary because the status quo is known and provides some level of emotional comfort and security. However, almost nothing good in life happens until we take action. You have to apply for a job before you can hope to be hired. When you want a promotion, you have to step up and ask for or accept new responsibilities. When you want to go on a date with someone, you have to either make or accept an invitation.

-There is no happiness without action.- (1)Action can be scary. In my early 20s, I wanted a better career and knew a college degree would make it happen. I was a poor student in high school, and didn’t know if I could handle college coursework. But, I swallowed hard and enrolled.

Sitting in my first class (Journalism 101), my stomach churned, knees knocked and heart pounded so hard I could barely hear the instructor. But, I lived to tell the tale, and eventually earned a Master of Science degree in Psychology. My education opened doors I never would have known existed  — if I had given into my fear and not taken action.

Take a look around your workplace and notice those people who are unhappy with their career. They are easy to find, just try to ignore someone who expresses their unhappiness every day. These co-workers exert more energy complaining about being stuck than it takes to make positive change. Still, they make a choice each day to remain in a state of inaction.

As a coach, I help people create a plan, break it into small manageable pieces, and build supportive structures. The first action is usually the most difficult. Experience has taught me that when people take the first step toward their goal, the next steps are a little easier. With each step forward, confidence grows as action becomes the new norm and people begin to feel “unstuck.”

It is a privilege to follow the progress of my clients as they take action and rebalance their lives, build stronger relationships, grab that promotion or find a better job. In each case, success was the result of their willingness to take the action necessary to reach their goals and dreams.

If you are feeling stuck, please reach out to me via LinkedIn or my website for a free Power Session.

Aug 11

Top 10 Tips For Flawless TV Interviews

Although earning media coverage has change radically during the past decade, how to prepare for TV interviewer questions has remained almost unchanged.

These tips arise from 20 years of working for media companies and as a public relations pro. Follow these tips, and your 15 seconds of fame will be well worth the prep time:

1. Develop a “touchstone.” A primary reason to be interviewed is to get a message out. For example, if you are interviewed about a new medical procedure, an option is to discuss organization’s commitment to quality: “At Hospital X, bringing new and innovative procedures is how we improve care…” If you are promoting a book or product, refer to it in your answers: “As I write in chapter three…”

Television news is like a lightning

2. Avoid email interviews whenever possible. To build a relationship with a reporter there should be dialogue, either face to face or on the phone.

3. Listen first. When the reporter is not on a pressing deadline, ask what the scope of the interview will be, what background information the reporter has, and what you can provide prior to the interview.

4. Prepare. Research the topic to be discussed. This will help you feel more confident, and the reporter will appreciate your expertise.

5. But don’t over-prepare. Unless the story is for The New York Times Sunday Magazine, you only have to describe the watch, not explain how it is made. Write down a few key points; three would be ideal. Working off bullet points will help you get your information across in short sound bites.

6. Be yourself, and be confident. Focus on having a conversation with your interviewer. Keep in mind you are being interviewed because you are the expert.

7. Think first. After a question, pause before answering to give you a moment to formulate your response.

8. Slow down. Print reporters are either scribbling or typing notes, so don’t be afraid to speak slowly. They will definitely appreciate it—and your quote is far less likely to be mangled.

9. Avoid jargon. Keep your conversation to a sixth-grade level.

10. Be accurate. Make sure whatever information you provide in an interview is absolutely accurate. If you don’t know an answer, it’s no big deal; tell the reporter/producer you will get them the information after the interview. Be sure to follow up.

Gregory Alford, MS. Psy., is founder of Accelerated Coaching & Consulting, LLC, and specializes in business, leadership and life coaching and marcom consulting. 

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