Part 2; the *how* -- You've got 15 seconds to sound smart

Last week I shared how you can still get a sliver of call-in show airtime even if your PR pitch doesn’t land.

NOTE: I only recommend this if you have something valuable to add to a conversation — something happening in the moment. This isn’t a place to force your take on just any subject. The last thing you want is end up on a watch list of callers hustling for free publicity (you are, but you can’t sound like you are).

First, let’s look at a couple of reasons why your original PR pitch didn’t land. It could be timing, tone or not being the right fit for the show (do your homework and listen before you pitch). Or maybe the producer just isn’t feeling it. It happens.

You can still make a solid impression with show hosts and producers, though. In this case, every second counts – and you need to know the stakes before you call.

If you’re dialing the guest line, prepare to wait. Popular shows often keep callers on hold for 45 minutes or more while they take care of other business. If you’re waiting, feel free to multitask with one ear on the show’s direction. (Be ready to turn the volume down the moment you’re told your call will be next — refer to last week’s SIDEbar for why.)

If you want a producer to remember and invite you back, leave them with something useful. Here’s how:

1.         Drop a tiny nugget about their topic
Give one sharp, specific detail that shows you have depth and knowledge. Not a tease, not a pitch — just a fact or angle that gives them a feeling there’s more to explore.

2.         Make follow-up painless (and professional)
After the show, send one short, polite note:
“Hi — I was the caller on [show/date]. If you ever want someone to expand on that topic, I’m available.” No attachments (one link is ok), no long bios. Keep it easy to read and easy to file.

3.         Match the show’s pace
Listen to the host’s rhythm and mirror it — speed, tone and energy. Producers notice callers who slide into the show’s flow. That signals you can handle a longer conversation if they bring you back.

4.         Hand them a producible hook
Give one line that could spark a segment:
“The question nobody’s asking is…” or “Here’s the angle people always miss…”
If a producer can picture that sentence in their rundown, you just became bookable.

5.         Silently rehearse

If you’re waiting on hold anyway, use the moment to quietly rehearse what you’ll say in a few seconds of airtime.

Nail these four moves and you’re not just another caller. You’re someone a producer can trust to bring something useful the next time you pitch.

© 2025, Gail Sideman, gpublicity.com, SIDEbar

 👇🏼 MORE 👇🏼 

🔦 A nod to sports media 🔦

As many of you know, I’ve worked across print/electronic and broadcast aisles. As a member of the National Sports Media Association (NSMA), I answered some questions based on what I’ve heard from TV crew members and media writers about how to “keep yourself out there.”

“In the Spotlight” I explained why members of the media need websites, or at least landing pages, and how AI search figures into that. It helps reporters stay relevant no matter where they are. We know the professional wheel is always turning.

👇🏼One more quick link👇🏼 

A new post from PissedOffPublicist.com. Because media literacy matters.

Have a great week!

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