News media interviews can be one of the fastest ways to build credibility and visibility for you and your business. However, interviewing can be stressful - even for the most seasoned spokesperson.

The good news is that by following these seven tips, you can make every interview a hit:

1. Be yourself: engaging, lively and entertaining. This is especially important in television and radio - both entertainment mediums. The more engaging you are, the easier it is for the interviewer to produce an interesting piece for their audience. Remember, you are in the spotlight, so act accordingly.
2. Arrive early for the interview: your media contact will often be rushed and under great pressure. By arriving early for your appearance, you will receive a better reception from the staff putting them at ease. Arriving early also gives you a chance to get comfortable in the interview setting, meet the production staff and the interviewer. These connections will ensure a better interview.
3. There is no such thing as off the record: from the moment you arrive for your interview until you leave, be professional and aware of your comments and presence. Nothing is worse than making a comment that you think is off the record only to see or hear it later in the news. Remember, if it comes out of your mouth, it is a quotable comment.
4. Stick to your agenda: deliver your message points supported by proof points. If the interviewer strays off topic, block the question by simply bridging back to your key message points.
5. Do not guess or anticipate: if you do not know the answer to a question, say you don't know. You may want to offer to find an answer or a provide a resource. However, if you make this type of offer, you must follow up in a timely manner.
6. Be pleasant to everyone - especially behind the scenes staff: The people behind the scene are often the ones who finalize the story and can make you look good or not. For example, if a spokesperson is rude to a photographer, they can choose a less than flattering shot for print. I saw this first hand when I had arranged a publicity photo shoot at Busch Gardens with a Hollywood celebrity. She was extremely rude to a local news photographer during the shoot. The photographer, selected a photo from the shoot that was extremely unflattering of the actress to run in the local paper and on the national Associated Press news feed.
7. Bring background information with you: The interviewer may not have thoroughly reviewed your background materials. Whatever you can do to focus your interview and to help the interviewer is always appreciated. Just keep it brief.

Media interviewing is an effective way to reach and build credibility with a broad audience. By pursuing targeted media, preparing for the interview and putting your best foot forward during the interview, you can fast become an in-demand media resource and spokesperson.