Non-Profit 101

After you have sent out your press release and followed up with media contacts, some reporters may want to talk with you more extensively about this event.

This is not the time to panic!

A lot of people tend to get very nervous when it comes to talking directly to the media or being on the TV news or radio. I know the first couple of times that I was on the news I was a nervous wreck at first. And, in the back of my mind I kept hearing my mother telling me to sit up straight.

It is important to remember that first, the reporter who is interviewing you is just another person. They do not know about what it is you are trying to convey. So, instead of thinking about being on camera or the radio, talk to the reporter like you would an average person on the street that you are trying to get your message to. Forget the camera! Forget the microphone! And talk to the reporter. Convince the reporter, like you would anyone else, why your message is an important one.

Before your interview, make some notes and be sure you know exactly what you want to say and what you don’t want to say. Stick to the subject and always tell a little about your organization during the interview.

After the interview, be sure to thank the reporter for their time and give them information on your website and how to contact you. Ask them if you can come back for a copy of the program or when it will air so you can make a copy.

Be yourself and remember that YOU know more about this subject than your audience does. You are educating your audience and in turn they can come to you for help when they need it.

Talking to media is an important part of leading a nonprofit and when you have a successful interview you can grow your organization beyond its vision!

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