Whatdaya Mean Pre-interview?

An associate producer from a local TV program called you. He is interested in having you appear on the show, but before scheduling an appearance, he would like to schedule a phone pre-interview with a senior producer. Pre-interview? What's a pre-interview?

First of all, congratulations. You've won round one. What it means is that the producer likes your information and is interested in having you appear on the program, but before having you on, he wants to make sure that you can deliver the goods.

Will you make a good guest for the program? Are you a good interview? And that is going to be determined by how well you do on the phone pre-interview. I can't emphasize strongly enough how important pre-interviews are. If you take them lightly and decide not to practice or prepare your information, chances are you're going to fail to impress the producer, and you'll never make it as a guest on the show. I've had clients lose national shows because they refused to prepare for the pre-interview. They figured that they'd dazzle them once they got on the show. It's like a comedian saving his best material for the Tonight Show. Well, if no one sees how funny he is, he's never going to get on the Tonight Show.

The pre-interview is of vital importance. Often it's more difficult than the actual interview itself. Remember, there are droves of people trying to get on that very program that's interested in you. If you don't deliver the goods, someone else will. So be prepared.

Make sure you understand exactly what the interview is about and what the media wants from you. Don't be shy. Ask questions. Make sure you understand exactly what the producer is looking for. The initial objective is to meet that particular story's needs. Once you've accomplished that, you can work on meeting your own needs. Find out exactly what they're looking for, so you can clearly discuss the topic. Find out if you are going to be the lone guest, if it's going to be a panel, or if there is going to be a guest representing an opposing view. Find out as much as you can.

If you have any facts or information that will help the segment, let the producer know, but don't just give him a litany of fact after fact. If necessary, during the pre-interview, keep a cheat sheet, have your information written out in front of you, but only use it as a reference. Don't read the information. It will sound like you're reading. Nail the pre interview and the segment is yours.

Copyright © Anthony Mora 2006

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