Greetings!
May's concluded a busy six weeks of speaking engagements and training workshops for me (see participants in the AAAS workshop I facilitated in Charleston this month, above). And it wasn't without adventures: One of my talks in New York City could've been a logistical nightmare, but my hosts and my audience helped save the day. The experience inspired this post on " when the speech hands you lemons," something every would-be speaker should consider before plunging ahead (and an important reason you should invest in training today). I'm happy to say the talk was a great success in the end!
This month, I'm sharing three new ventures: A forthcoming booklet on media interview preparations, a video call for today's top women speakers, and your thoughts on what I should use for a new media-training video. Please join in the fun as summer begins!
Sincerely,
President |
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New Guide to Look at Pluses and Pitfalls: |
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Making the Most of Your Next Media Interview
 Training and practice are two of the most effective ways to get ready for media interviews, but even the best trainer will tell you it's the interviewee who holds the key to a good -- or disastrous -- interview. The good news: There's much you can do as an individual to make the most of your next media interview, and this month on the don't get caught news & info blog, I tackled three especially challenging media interview situations and how you should handle them:
- Thought you were off-the-record...but weren't? That happened this month in a high-profile announcement that had a special limit, or embargo, put on its release time. You'll find out how to handle that situation, and how journalists viewed this particular messed-up media announcement.
- What if you disagree with the reporter? It happens, but how you handle it can make the difference between persuasion and a meltdown. Hear an example from an NPR interview and I'll walk you through what to anticipate in case this happens to you.
- What if you overstep in an interview? Exaggerations, or jinserting your opinion when a fact is what's wanted, can create real problems for you as an interviewee. Before you get out on that limb, let me suggest some points to ponder.
I've had lots of clients ask me to compile tips like these into a simple guide, and I'm happy to say that, this summer, I'll be publishing Making the Most of Your Next Media Interview to meet that need. Communications pros can give this guide to your company's executives and experts. If you don't have a communications pro on hand in your organization, the booklet's the next best thing to help you prepare on your own. A bonus for DGC clients: Trainees in my workshops and coaching sessions will always get a copy free. Stay tuned for more details; I'm looking forward to sharing these tips with you. If you want to pre-order copies, email me at info@dontgetcaught.biz. |
| Who are Today's Top Women Speakers?
The Eloquent Woman Asks Readers for Nominees on a Growing List |
 I get the best questions from readers, one of whom wrote in to ask me for ideas on who today's top women speakers are--and where to find video examples of their speaking skills. (Finding famous speakers of the past, he noted, was far easier than finding those of today.) So I turned to my readers, and asked them. The result: A growing list of today's top women speakers. So far, they include women in politics (Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm), a disability advocate, a mountaineer, and more. For each nominee, I'm posting my take on why their speaking skills work and what you can learn from them, with video embeds or links so you can watch, listen and learn. Send me your nominees at info@dontgetcaught.biz and vote in the poll on the Eloquent Woman blog to help us determine the top woman speakers of today. |
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| Help Me Find a New Media Training Video |
| I've given up showing the dated Bob Newhart video most trainers use. One reader's sent a great alternative: An episode of Parks & Recreation, in which Amy Poehler does everything wrong in her interview. Watch the episode and read my challenge, then suggest your nominee! |
Don't Get Caught Without Tips from My Blogs
Normally, I don't get caught--but you can catch me on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn | |
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