A television appearance

eilcon

eilcon

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I got very exciting news today! A reporter with one of the local TV stations wants to do a story about the recent abuse cases we've come across in Cincy. It's also a chance to mention the Coalition for Animal Justice founded by Consumercity (Barbara) and spread the word about the need for harsher sentences for those who abuse animals.

http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62638

We're going to do a live interview Thurs. morning at 5:45 and feature two of the kittens who were rescued from being abused. It's early, I know, but still a great opportunity and the segment may also air later in the day. I'll post a link, if available. Isn't this great news?

I've never been interviewed before (I'm usually the one asking the questions), so if anyone has any suggestions, let me know. Thanks!
 
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leto86

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Originally Posted by eilcon

I've never been interviewed before (I'm usually the one asking the questions), so if anyone has any suggestions, let me know. Thanks!
Click to expand...
I was on a news report about licensing cats.. but I didn't know what to say.. I looked stupid.. so I don't have any tips for you.. but Good luck!
 
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beckiboo

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I have to present a speech before a board of about 20 people every year, asking for money to spend on medications for people who can't afford them at our clinic. Normally, it would be very hard to speak to such a group, all questioning me...but this is my life! I deal every day with people who NEED HELP. Ask me anything, I know it!

Same for you, this is what you are doing, this is your passion. Just remember that people would rather hear about one individual case, than hear a lot of boring numbers. If you give numbers, back them up with a case. An example, "Animal abuse cases are up 29%. Like the case of Smokey, blah, blah, blah!"

Also, think of about 4-5 really touching cases, and review them in your mind. Think about those kitties, and the heartbreak they endured. Review notes about how sick they were initially, and about their improvement. Then you are ready when asked about situations.

Maybe throw in a hook for spay/neuter, like "many people don't realize their kittens that they gave away ended up abused or abandoned".

What an opportunity! You go, girl!
 
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eilcon

eilcon

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Originally Posted by Beckiboo

I have to present a speech before a board of about 20 people every year, asking for money to spend on medications for people who can't afford them at our clinic. Normally, it would be very hard to speak to such a group, all questioning me...but this is my life! I deal every day with people who NEED HELP. Ask me anything, I know it!

Same for you, this is what you are doing, this is your passion. Just remember that people would rather hear about one individual case, than hear a lot of boring numbers. If you give numbers, back them up with a case. An example, "Animal abuse cases are up 29%. Like the case of Smokey, blah, blah, blah!"

Also, think of about 4-5 really touching cases, and review them in your mind. Think about those kitties, and the heartbreak they endured. Review notes about how sick they were initially, and about their improvement. Then you are ready when asked about situations.

Maybe throw in a hook for spay/neuter, like "many people don't realize their kittens that they gave away ended up abused or abandoned".

What an opportunity! You go, girl!
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Great advice. Thanks! Definitely need to get the spay/neuter message in there.

I'd just like to say, for the record, that I'm VERY nervous about this!
 
ollyextra05

ollyextra05

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Don't worry!
Being on TV is really pretty easy--there's only about 10 or 15 people in the room, so just focus on that fact and ignore the fact that the interview is being taped. If you stumble on your words a little, don't worry about it, just keep on smiling!
 
pushylady

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This is fantastic!
You go girl! Get that message across! I'll be cheering for you Thursday.
 
hissy

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Practice in front of a mirror, seriously. Think about some of the questions they will ask and just do a mock interview. Or use an old-fashioned tape recorder and speak into the mike.

Make a list of points you want to get across- tougher laws for animal abusers, more awareness of the proper caring of pets, the importance of spaying and neutering, being a member of tcs (I'm kidding!) Stuff like that. Remember to relax and enjoy your time in the spotlight. You are the voice for those who cannot speak- What an awesome opportunity to help all animals!
 
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eilcon

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Hey everybody, thanks for the advice and votes of confidence. Wish I was feeling that way! Just got off the phone with the reporter to go over some of the details for tomorrow. She seems very nice and is a real animal lover. I'll be thinking of all of you tomorrow morning at 5:45 (after a couple of cups of coffee!)
 
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eilcon

eilcon

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More good news! I spoke with Barbara (Consumercity) who's also going to be there for the interview! Please send some good vibes our way. There's some serious nervousness happening here!
 
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eilcon

eilcon

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We did it!!! Barbara and I appeared on WKRC Channel 12 this morning to talk about animal cruelty. Barbara did a great job! We were also able to feature some of the kittens, including the two siblings of the ones that were killed, along with talking about TNR. There's no link to the story on the station's website yet, but I'll post one if they make it available. It was a great opportunity to speak on behalf of the animals and to educate people about the prevalence of crimes against them.

If anyone else is interested in trying to publicize animal cruelty cases
in your area, I strongly encourage you to do so. All I did was send the press release we prepared for the Coalition for Animal Justice website (www.animal-justice.org) to the local media and tried to target reporters that I know care about animals. If there's anything I can do to help, just pm me.

Thanks once again for those powerful TCS vibes! Now, I need to get another cup of coffee and get to work!
 
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