Hi,
I have been on Lactnet for many years but I've never posted anything.
I have been volunteering for the past 5 years as the Communications
Manager for a baby related nonprofit which has received a lot of media
attention over the past 5 years so I've worked on quite a few media
pieces. I just wanted to pass along some radio interview tips in case
you find them helpful:


If you get a pre-interview or the questions in advance, that's great.
This is your chance to preview the questions. Take time to reflect on
them. If you need more time to prepare, arrange for the reporter or
producer to call back, if possible.

Find out how long you will be on air. Tailor your responses
accordingly. Think in terms of 5-20 second "sound  bites". Do not
ramble.

Write background notes on index cards. spread them out in front of you
during the interview for quick reference. Don't shuffle them on air.

If you are in-studio, ignore studio activity, just focus on the
questions and answers

Stay calm, especially during radio call ins. You don't want an angry
rant to be what people remember.

Radio can make people sound monotone. Try to put energy and intonation
in your voice. Radio is often very upbeat and casual too.

Stay away from carbonated beverages before an interview as it can
affect your voice.

Consider your audience and tailor your responses for them. Remember
that though breastfeeding benefits babies, it is the mothers, fathers,
partners, relatives, and other *adults* who listen to radio. Make sure
to include the benefits for mothers, partners, society, etc. People
need to know why *they* should care about breastfeeding. Of course
mothers love their babies and want what is right for them, but
focusing *all* the information on their babies can leave the door open
for the "making me feel guilty" argument and feelings of resentment.

A good way to signal that you are about to say something important is
to start with "look", "listen", "what is really important is", etc

Keep it simple. Choose a main message and interject it in all of your
responses. It may sound repetitive but audiences need repetition in
order to remember the information. The wording can be altered but the
main meaning kept the same.

Write down an additional 3-5 points you'd like to make, but no more
than 5. A few examples for both a main message and other messages are:

Babies are born to be breastfed

Breastfeeding is natural but is also a learned skill. Mothers need
correct information and plenty of support to get breastfeeding off to
a good start.

After the birth of a baby mothers are often exhausted and overwhelmed.
Breastfeeding is designed to help the mother adjust physically and
emotionally to this new role. Unfortunately too many mothers get
incorrect information or advice that interferes with this natural
process. Seeking out information and support through a lactation
consultant or a La Leche League Leader can help a mother navigate this
time so that both her needs and those of her baby are met.

I really like what Mary-Jane wrote but perhaps it could be broken down
into smaller stand-alone messages. And any of these could have a main
message inserted in. For example:

Babies are really quite talented at birth. Almost always, they are
born knowing how to suck, swallow and breathe. The baby's job is to
practice putting it all together to breastfeed. The mother's job is to
learn how to hold and position the baby so he can do his job.

It takes the "3 Ps" to make breastfeeding successful: practice,
positioning and patience.

If the mother keeps her baby skin to skin after the birth, he will be
in the "neighborhood" and will find the  "breastaurant" with little
help needed. If the baby is away from the mother, then he can't do
what he needs to do: snuggle, smell her, listen to her voice, feel her
breathing and heartbeat, see her face, and nurse. Mothers and babies
need to be kept together after birth.

The baby has come from a "temperature-controlled Jacuzzi with room
service on demand." When kept skin to skin with mother, he has the
best possible environment in the outside world. So we encourage all
mothers to welcome their babies this way. It will  help breastfeeding
get off to a good start, it's good for the baby and good  for the
mother, definitely a "win-win" situation.

I hope that helps.

Warmly,
Elizabeth Parise
http://modernparentingbc.blogspot.com/

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