It is amazing to know that there are only a handful of public relations firms out there that truly know how to harness the power of pr. Which comes as no surprise since media interviews are among the most effective yet least known marketing methods you could ever use.

Interviews can be fantastic public relations opportunities, but you really need to maximize your time on-air!

Marsha Friedman, CEO of Event Management Services, a national publicity firm says "Here are some insider tips to help make your interview on TV or talk radio the best ever":

1. Like the Boy Scouts, 'Be Prepared.' Before you step foot on the set, really make sure that all of your "ammo" is in order and you are well-versed in your facts. Use a "cheat sheet' with your best info. Marsha Friedman says, "The viewers or listeners will know if you are full of information or full of "you know what." The latter will lose the audience's attention and any credibility they had been building."

2. Practice makes perfect. Marsha Friedman says, "A tough challenge is to stay on topic. Hosts and their viewers can throw you off topic in a heartbeat. So here is your challenge: keep afloat while you are on-air. Never been interviewed by the media before? Well then why not get a media coach. If you already have media experience and just need to sharpen your skill, practice mock interviews with friends or associates." Be sure you're fully prepared to handle ANY questions that come your way.

3. Public Relations is not a One-Day Thing. PR strategies should be viewed as a long-term commitment with the goal of developing as much national media exposure as possible. After all, the longer you're 'out there,' the greater the likelihood you'll be recognized by the media as an expert in your field.

4. Keep the interview pipeline full. When it comes to the number of interviews you schedule and give, you must do as many as possible to really see some positive results. Marsha Friedman adds, "Talk radio interviews can be an unsurpassed way of informing millions about your product!without leaving the comfort of your home or office."

5. Be Ready for Anything! Media appearances should be thought of as 'instant promotional opportunities,' and you need to be available when they are. Marsha Friedman says, "That means day or night." Being on the air, often and at any time, will boost your company's visibility! and sales!

6. Sparkle on air. When you are really enthusiastic about something, you can not only hear it in your voice, but it is also catchier than heck. Marsha Friedman says, "To keep the audience attentive, you need to maintain a high level of interest throughout the interview. No matter if it's your first or hundredth!"

7. Keep the audience listening. Always remember that media is about entertainment first. So just really focus on supplying information in an entertaining way. Do that and you'll often find the host jumping in to help you promote your message!

8. Good time management. Key to success with media interviews is how effective you use air-time. A great interview or a complete bust will hinge on how well you keep these three things in mind:

1. Be entertaining, 2. Be informative, and 3. Educate.

Well, that's it. These 8 tips should help you with your media interviews. If you would like to learn more about gaining national or local media attention for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Friedman would love to help. Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a public relations expert Marsha has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without breaking your budget with costly monthly retainers .

Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook "How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest" visit her firm online at www.emsincorporated.com.