One sure way to be quoted by the press is to give specific, tangible examples that demonstrate your message point. Reporters are capable of describing phenomenon at the mile-high, abstract level. But if you can give a down-to-earth, real-life example, you increase your chances of being quoted in the story.
Reporters can talk about the firearms industry, but they will quote you talking about your Smith and Wesson revolver.
Journalists can write about the market’s sense on how interest rates will go up, but they will also quote you saying, “I’m 100% convinced Greenspan will increase rates by .25%.”
Abstraction is the enemy to every good journalist. When you can give a clear-cut example to a reporter, it can be an important element in making the story come alive and more understandable to the reader, viewer or listener. That’s why you will be quoted giving examples.
People fled the burning building at 12.15 AM.
TJ Walker, Media Training Worldwide
The above sentence needs no quotes around d it.
“I awoke to the smell of burning plastic. I threw on my bathroom and ran down the fire escape.”
This is a much more vivid example and would be used as a quote.
Many novices at the media game make the mistake of trying to sound “smart” by speaking in an elevated, sophisticated, abstract manner. This approach is counterproductive and will result in you getting zero quotes or sound bites in a story.
To get ahead with the media, always give great example.
