Improve Your Chances of Getting Quoted

You've got an upcoming interview with a local reporter or perhaps you're going to appear live on television. How do you improve your chances of saying something newsworthy? How do you boost the likelihood that what you say will get picked up by other news outlets?

The answer lies in saying the same old thing in a new or colorful way. If you can turn a phrase, add some humor or inject a unique metaphor, you will become infinitely more quotable. Take President Barack Obama in his news conference this morning. 

---

The President was trying to make the case for compromise over raising the debt ceiling. Watch this clip.

By using the phrases, "pull off the band aid" and "eat our peas," the President stepped into sound bite world. Whether intentionally or not, the President spoke in terms everyone can understand. He used vivid metaphors for what is otherwise a dry, complicated, behind closed doors negotiation process.

So, when addressing the media, learn to speak in ways that improve your chances of getting quoted. As we've said before, you're communicating to the public. Say it in ways they will appreciate and understand. Reporters will thank you.