Apprehension and unpreparedness go hand in hand. My coaching will improve your performance and enhance your success. I will teach you how to gracefully avoid the potential pitfalls and become a more effective communicator.

• Talk to them, not at them

  When talking to people you want to inspire, do just that -- talk TO them, not AT them. Your message alone, no matter how relevant, will fail to captivate if your audience senses you are not fully engaged, excited to share your message points. When appearing on camera with your interviewer, address him or her by their first name to establish an instant rapport and humanize you to your audience.

  
  

   

• Accentuate the Positive

  In addition to being a fantastic song, this is crucial advice to remember when confronted with an inflammatory question. When refuting an accusation, the common tendency is to repeat the negative words – as in I did NOT (do whatever it is I am accused of doing). Even if you can prove that the implication has no merit, repeating the controversial words will, unintentionally, only serve to reinforce them in the public's mind. At the same time, while your aim is to focus on the positive, you must never simply ignore a negative question when asked. You will appear guilty if it seems that you are intentionally dodging a situation. When confronted with a topic you do not want to dwell on, acknowledge it and the quickly redirect your answer to stress a desirable aspect of the situation. Give the reporter something positive to attach your name to in the press.

• When you are done, be done.

  Once you are satisfied that you have made your point, allow yourself to comfortably finish and be silent. Interviewers often allow for dead air in the hope that you will feel uncomfortable and rush to fill it, rambling on and divulging things you did not intend to share with the media.That said, if the interviewer continues to drop back and leave you hanging, take the lead and use the opportunity to introduce additional message points from your arsenal.

• And when you don't know - that's okay

  Despite what you may think, you do not need to always have an answer for the press. It is okay to say "I do not know" if, in fact, you are not sure of the response.  Never lie or feel the need to fabricate an answer. If someone else would be better equipped to handle a situation and make a statement, say so. I always find that people are duly impressed when someone is secure enough in their own knowledge to say 'I don’t have an expert opinion to offer' or simply, 'I don't know'. Turn a seemingly awkward moment around and take back control by saying 'but what I can tell you is...." to get your message back on track.
  

• Public speaking in a large venue

  When appearing in front of a large crowd, you need to compensate for the size of the audience and the venue. Speak more slowly and use slightly longer pauses than usual since it physically takes longer for the sound of your voice to travel through the room. Gesture in a slightly larger manner so as to be seen in a large space. Otherwise, maintain the same natural speaking style you would have if you were talking with a close friend. As a general rule, give yourself permission to speak in a relaxed, conversational manner. But remember, conversational does not mean laid back--your voice should be energized and colorful. If you sound bored, your audience will be bored!

• A smile is worth a thousand words

  Present an engaged, personable face to the camera and you’ve already said so much without uttering a word. Watch the morning talk shows and notice how producers tease an upcoming segment with a cut-away to the guest standing by. Caught unaware by the camera, he or she most often appears unsmiling and disinterested. Even a neutral facial expression can read like a frown on camera. Even if you are not naturally a smiley person, take heart - you need nothing more than slightly upturned lips to register confidence and approachability.