This is probably too late to be of relevance to some Lactnetters appearing
on TV after the Chicago Hope epsiode on US TV, but I thought I would share
some of my media background with you.  As well as being a journalist and
broadcaster, I have had some formal training and experience in being on the
other side of the notebook/mic/camera as a promoter - so here's my  two top
tips!

1. Think of no more than THREE simple and basic and important points you
want to get across *no matter what*
2. Make sure whatever the questions, you answer with those points.

Listen to politicians or celebs or anyone skilled in media work - they
don't always answer the question as put to them, but they just *seem* to.
You can sometimes turn a question round subtly, or change the question
mid-answer.  You can even say, 'but before I answer that question, I must
say this.....' or 'a far more important question than that one is.....'
Careful you don't sound defensive or too clever, though!

Of course if things go well, and there's time,  you can get more than your
three important points across - but there usually isn't time.  Or if there
is time, it stays on tape and is never broadcast.

If your interview goes well and is published/broadcast in a way you like,
fax/email a pleasant and short note of  appreciation to the
presenter/producer/writer and include your contact details which they can
use in the future.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK