What's the difference between a real expert and a talking
head spouting opinions? Speaking from a platform of solid
research. Depth and knowledge of a subject from real-life
experience. Developing and clearly expressing an opinion
from deep thoughtfulness.
I was listening to Zadie Smith, author of the best-selling
book *White Teeth* talking about becoming an instant expert
after the rise of her book up the charts, and how ridiculous
that was. People asked her opinion on all kinds of subjects
she knew nothing about. And she refused to address them.
Smart woman.
If you want to be considered a true expert stick to what you
know. Don't let the seduction of fame lure you to comment on
subjects that you've got no business discussing. That
dilutes your authority.
Instead, work on delivering your knowledge in such a way as
only you can be called on to do it. Differentiate yourself.
How?
1. Be Yourself.
Lisa Earle McLeod - Inspirational Humorist and author of
*Forget Perfect - Finding joy, meaning, and satisfaction in
the life you've already got and the you YOU already are*
(http://www.forgetperfect.com) is naturally funny. Instead
of trying to measure her scathing humor, she capitalizes on
it.
McLeod says, *I've got quotes coming in Redbook, Real
Simple, Baby Talk, Parents, the Atlanta Journal Constitution
and Glamour, and 2 in First for Women where I am the lead
source, and yes one was the one about embracing
imperfection. I've taken your 'be controversial and be
yourself' comment to heart and my wise-ass comments go over
very well.*
2. Use Your Real Life.
A woman in one of my seminars shocked me by asking me if she
needed an advanced degree to get on a top TV talk show. This
woman had won international awards for her documentary
films, ran a successful business and had done substantial
community work. Experience can be better than a degree.
There's nothing more boring than an *educated* motor-mouth
spewing *important* information in the King's English.
Communications expert, Kare Anderson says, *Speak English
like it tastes good.* (http://www.sayitbetter.com). I agree.
*Many times these writers pick me up because I share info
about my *real life* as opposed to being just an author
expert,* says Mcleod. They are funny quotes and they list me
as the author of *Forget Perfect,* so it really fits with
the kind of PR I want.*
3. Walk Your Talk.
Consistency is important. Your expertise should reflect your
values, your attitudes, and ultimately your lifestyle. *One
article which I think is hysterical is - my husband and I
are going to be featured in the monthly *couples conflict*
in June in First for Women, (they do typical normal married
conflicts like mom's the meanie mom always has to
discipline, etc. Nothing like he cheated or we're about to
get divorced just regular couple stuff.)
Anyway our conflict is - *he doesn't listen to me* - we are
going to make it funny talking about how people pay me to
speak and women go ga-ga over my words in print yet my
husband wishes I would just be quiet. It's a full page
spread with a photo. Bob (Lisa's husband) was OK with it
because they told him in the photo he could have his head
half buried in the paper.
I think it is going to be a riot and I plan to hold it up at
speeches saying 'I'm this month's couples' conflict' so it
proves I'm not perfect.*
Get more tips about how to be an expert in *The Ultimate
Guide to Getting Booked on Oprah: Ten Steps to Getting
Booked on the World's Top Talk Show*
You can get your FREE excerpt at:
http://www.prsecretstore.com/ultimateguide.html and discover
valuable knowledge to help you get on the show today.
Even if you don't want to get on Oprah, but want to get on
top TV talk shows this book will show you what it takes to
pass through the producers screen and leverage appearance
for all it's worth.
Copyright (c) 2002-2005 Susan Harrow, All Rights Reserved.
Susan Harrow is a top media coach, marketing strategist and
author of *Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul*
(HarperCollins), *The Ultimate Guide to Getting Booked on
Oprah*, and *How You Can Get a 6- Figure Book Advance.* Her
clients include Fortune 500 CEOs, millionaires, best-selling
authors and successful entrepreneurs who have appeared on
Oprah, 60 Minutes, NPR, and in TIME, USA Today, Parade,
People, O, NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and Inc.