How to Be Respected as a Real Expert
by Susan Harrow
Published on this site: May 13th, 2005 - See
more articles from this month...
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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
|
