How to prepare for a media interview in just 15 minutes

Even the most seasoned media sources need to take time to unplug, focus and take command of a pending media interview. Absent of professional media training (which I highly advocate), there are a few things you can do in a short period of time prior to a scheduled media interview to help get your message across, get quoted accurately, and make you proud of the quotes you read when the story hits.

Here are eight tips:

1. Unplug.

Shut down your email and let your receptionist know that you won’t be taking any calls, starting 15 minutes prior to your scheduled media interview. You need to focus and disconnect.

2. Close your door.

Again, you need to focus before and during the phone interview. Some people speak more freely and confidently behind closed doors. Closing your office door will allow you to maintain focus, be free of distraction, and enable you to speak with confidence and purpose.

3. Get your story straight .