Public Relations: How to Pitch Reporters Over the Telephone and Make Every Second Count

Want More Info? Click here to order the full special report for just $10.00. In this report, you will learn: How to pitch a print publication vs. TV What to do when the reporter likes your idea What do to when the reporter says "no thanks" What to say when the reporter says "tell me more" How to pitch when you want to write an article Click Here To Order This Report People who ordered this report also ordered: 1. Special Report #7 - How to Write the Perfect Pitch Letter That Convinces an Editor to Write About You 2. Special Report #8 - Media Kits on a Shoestring: How to Create Them Without Spending a Bundle 3. Special Report #12 - 52 Tips for Kick-Butt News Releases (and Bonehead Mistakes to Avoid) 4. Audio CD: Secrets of Perfect Pitching to Reporters

You’ve got a terrific story idea. You’ve researched the magazine you’re pitching to, and you know that the reporter doesn’t mind story pitches over the phone.

You dial her number and wait patiently for her to answer. When you hear her voice, you suddenly freeze up. You’ve rehearsed what you’ll say at least a dozen times, but she sounds busy and angry. So you start babbling.

“What exactly do you want?” she asks brusquely. Suddenly, you realize you’ve blown it. Another opportunity lost forever.

Pitching reporters over the telephone is one of the most difficult tasks in media relations. That’s because the reporter on the other end of the line can be easily distracted by others in the newsroom, might be working on deadline, or just doesn’t want to talk you. You make the problem worse when you call unprepared, don’t have notes in front of you and try to pitch “off the cuff,” then get rattled when you hear a response you aren’t expecting.

Here’s a roadmap on how to do it right. The best way to start is to assume that you will have no more than 30 seconds to explain who you are, why you are calling, and to convince the reporter that your story idea is worth pursuing. Most people have no idea how to talk to reporters over the phone. Many of them launch into long-winded explanations. Others beg and plead for coverage. Others simply present lousy ideas, then act offended when the reporter isn’t interested. Your story pitch might be the twentieth that day. And if you want coverage, it had better stand out from all the rest.

It’s time to create the “30-Second Pitch.” Five key elements comprise the pitch:

• Identify who you are and why you are calling.
• Ask if this is a good time to talk. If it isn’t, ask the reporter to suggest the best time you should call back. Never ask a reporter to return your call. If it is a good time to talk, proceed to the next step.
• Let the reporter know you are familiar with the publication or with stories she writes about.
• Explain the idea in a sentence or two.
• Explain quickly why readers will care.
• Ask if the reporter is interested.

The “30-Second Pitch” Sounds like this:

“Newsroom, Jane Smith speaking.”

“Good morning Jane, this is Maria Ricardo calling to suggest a story idea. Is this a good time to talk?

“Yes, but I only have half a minute. Can you make it quick?”

“Jane, I know you cover the minority community here in Chicago. I teach English as a second language at the South Side Community Center. We are receiving twice the number of requests from the business community for tutoring in local factories. In fact, we are adding four counselors, directly as a result of U.S. Census figures that show a huge increase in the Hispanic population. Your readers might want to know about this in case they need tutoring at their companies, too.”

Jane: “That’s interesting. I’d like to talk about this when I have more time. How about tomorrow? Can you call back then, say sometime between 10 a.m. and noon?”  

“Sure, I’d be glad to. Thanks for your time.”

Want to know more?

Download Special Report #25 “How to Pitch Reporters Over the Telephone and Make Every Second Count” for only $10.00.

In this report, you will learn:

- How to pitch a print publication vs. TV
- What to do when the reporter likes your idea
- What do to when the reporter says "no thanks"
- What to say when the reporter says "tell me more"
- How to pitch when you want to write an article

Order #14325
Price $10.00

Use the toolbar below to download this product and start reading right away!

Don’t want to order online? Click here for our easy fax or mail order form

Great Savings! Get all 47 reports for $397, a $73 savings!

<-- Previous Article Next Article -->

Public Relations, PR Home | Press Releases | Television | Radio | Print Media
| Public Relations Blog | General Media | Special Events | Internet Marketing
Business Promotion | Niche Topics | Internet | Publicity | Media Kits | Pitching Stories |
Authors & Speakers | Latest Issue of Great PR | Privacy Policy | Links | Terms of Use