Community information out (such as if an event is coming up soon), and if you think they will be contacting you instead to schedule the story. Get Ready for Your Interview Each type of media has certain guidelines to follow so you appear to be a polished, media savvy professional. While I cannot do a full media prep course in this article, I can point out a few tips to make you feel at ease when the time comes for your interview. Be prepared • Reporters work on tight deadlines. If they set up a time to meet with you, take it. They do not care about your schedule, so you must accommodate them or you may miss your opportunity. • Look at the reporter during the interview (not the camera) and just have a natural conversation with them. • Speak in short sentences. This allows the reporter to ask another question, and makes it more likely you'll be used (the average bite that makes it to air is only 5-8 seconds long!). "Within two weeks of implementing Nancy's advice, our funeral home was featured on two TV newscasts and a print article. I highly recommend this course." --Lasha August, Infinity Funeral Home, Biloxi, MS Radio • Know what points you want to make and be sure to send background information ahead of time to the specific reporter you'll be working with so they know what to talk to you about. • Find out if this interview will be live, “look live” (pre-recorded but played as if you are in-studio) or pre-recorded with post-interview editing prior to air. • Ask if there will be scheduled commercial breaks so that you can track the time and end your point prior to break. • If you will be interviewed by phone, use a landline as cellular service can be spotty. Print • Meet with the journalist in-person, when possible. • Provide information in written form to prevent errors, such as your business card, event flyer, etc. OGR member Jim Rudolph, right, at a local radio station (OGR Photo / Nancy Weil) • Turn off your phone! I learned the hard way that Amber Alerts and other emergency alerts break through silent and do not disturb modes. Television • Have a few locations at your funeral home scouted out ahead of time to show the crew when they arrive for b-roll and as possible interview loctions. They don't want to talk to you sitting in your desk chair. Regardless of medium, understand you have no control over what is written/broadcast. The best you can do is make your points and do anything you can to accomodate their schedule and workflow. OGR is offering this training as a 30-minute video presentation, a 60-minute video with live Q&A or an in-person event for your state funeral directors association at no charge. More information from NWeil@OGR.org or (512) 334-5504, ext. 304. www.ogr.org | The Independent® 9
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