You read that subject line correctly.
In a TV interview, more often than not, 3 minutes is all the time you will have to share who you are, what your message is, and why it’s important. That’s it, and it goes in a blink. But before you panic, keep reading!
As the founder of TenXPR, an award-winning broadcast PR agency, I dedicate my resources to ensuring that all of our clients are well-prepared (and panic-free!) for their upcoming TV interviews as soon as we get them booked on-air. Now, after years and years of prepping experts, entrepreneurs, and founders for their big break, I’m ready to put all of my tricks of the trade to paper.
As a former TV producer and now the founder of TenXPR, I’ve studied exactly what it takes to knock your TV interview out of the park (or in this case, the newsroom), and an important part of the formula really is timing. (Yes, it turns out that what they say is true: timing really is everything!)
Without further ado, here are some tips from a TV and broadcast PR expert. My goal is that by the time you reach the end of this article, you will feel more confident and comfortable with sharing your story in 3 minutes than you did when you first read the subject line!
Introducing the 3-minute formula.
You likely became an expert because you’re passionate about a specific subject matter – a subject matter that you can’t talk enough about. But remember, discussing your expertise with fellow experts in your field is entirely different from explaining it to a new audience who is just getting to know you. My job is to help you harness your passion and share your message in a concise and intentional way without alienating your viewers. That’s where the 3-minute formula comes in.
The simplest way to avoid going over the 3-minute mark is to think about your interview as an elevator pitch. You only have so much time (and not a lot of it) to get your point across. The 3-minute formula will help you use your time effectively while packing a big punch. Take a look:
3-Minute Formula = 2 Sentences On Who You Are + 5 Sentences On Your Story
According to the formula, you will begin your interview by describing yourself in two sentences. This can include your credentials, your expertise, and what makes you unique.
Then, you will share your message in 5 sentences, which accomplishes two things: (1) it helps you get your point across faster and (2) it forces you to share only your most important and relevant talking points.
Simple enough, right? Let’s take it a step further.
Refining your 3 minutes
Now you know what it takes to describe who you are and share your story in no more than 3 minutes. However, timing is one thing; the way you express yourself and tell your story in that time is another animal.
Here are a couple of tips to help you share who you are and get your story across in a way that is sure to keep your audience wanting more.
Ask yourself, why me?
The best place to start is to think about what makes you unique. What do you have to offer that other experts in your industry do not? Why would the media want to use you as an expert? This is the time to think about your background and all of the credentials that have shaped you into the industry expert you are today. Remember, make sure you are able to answer these questions in a clear and concise way. Your goal is to leave your viewers with more answers than questions, not the other way around!
Focus on the facts
When you’re thinking about the 5 talking points you want to hit when sharing your story, make sure you stick to the facts and nothing more. What’s even more important is keeping your points clear and concise (are you noticing a pattern here?). Often, when we tell stories with no direction, it’s easy to get lost in the unnecessary, colorful details, and that is a surefire way to lose your viewers at home. Save story time for your kids and keep it simple by avoiding any analogies. Three minutes go by fast!
Remember it’s a conversation, not a speech
Now you know what you’re going to say, but how you say it can make or break your interview. Make sure you treat your interview like a conversation because well, that’s what it is at the end of the day! Don’t word vomit your talking points right off the bat. Keep your 3-minute formula in the back of your mind and take your time. Engage with the host. Make eye contact and smile. Most importantly, make sure you are listening and not just talking!
