Your publicity strategy is beginning to pay off, and the interview requests are rolling in. Before you take your message to the airwaves, here are some things to consider:

• Review the contents of your book, making note of the specific passages that support your messaging points.
• Your main message should be simple, short and memorable.  Be prepared to present both a 30-second and a 60-second version.
• Look over your list of suggested questions so you won’t be caught by surprise.
• Tailor your message to the specific audience.  For Christian markets, you need not traffic in “God Talk.”  Most in the audience are Christians, so you are “preaching to the choir.”  Those listening who aren’t Christians will appreciate hearing what you are saying without being beaten over the head.
• Whether the host is serious and hard-nosed or laid-back, take your cues from his or her tone.
• Match the personality of the people to whom you are talking. (The listeners’ personalities are probably similar.)  Studies show that sales increase if listenerscan relate to the person who is talking to them.
• If your interview will be conducted via phone, you will need to use a landline—no cell phones or cordless phones.  Choose a quiet room, and turn off call waiting (*70) before the interview.
• If the interview will occur on television, choose attire that is mid-tone or dark SOLID in color (i.e. purples, greens or blues). Pastels also work well on camera.

Some general things to avoid in any interview include:

• Do not constantly “sell” the message of your book or ministry. Make the interview interesting by providing usable or encouraging information about your ministry.
• Do not say “my ministry” or “my book,” but refer to the ministry name or book title. This helps the audience to remember who you are or what you have written.
• Do not cancel confirmed interviews unless it’s an emergency. Keep in mind that the station is graciously giving you time to promote your ministry and message, so you want to make the most of the given opportunity.

Think of each interview as a conversation.  The more interesting you are, the more interesting the subject becomes, the more interested the audience is in the book, and the more books you sell in the end. Perhaps most importantly, be relaxed, be prepared, and BE YOURSELF!