I’m in the middle of leading a media training course for the Nonfiction Authors Association and a fantastic group of authors. At the very beginning, during introductions, I asked a simple question:
“What do you most want to get out of this training?”
The responses were thoughtful and familiar.
“Learn how to speak with more confidence.”
“Look relaxed—even if I’m nervous.”
“Know how to sound like I’m having fun!”
“Handle tough questions without freezing.”
“Make sure I can clearly get my key message across.”
Each answer revealed a quiet desire—not just to do media interviews well, but to feel at ease in the spotlight. To feel anchored, calm, and in control when the camera starts rolling or the interview goes live. Doesn’t everyone want this?
Of course we do.
And here’s the truth:
That kind of confidence doesn’t just appear on the spot with the cameras rolling and the microphone hot.
It’s cultivated long before the interview begins.
It comes from preparation—the kind that isn’t flashy, but is deeply effective.
It comes from knowing your story and sharing in a way that will move your target market.
It comes from practicing your key messages until they feel like second nature.
It comes from getting still enough to hear the voice beneath the nerves.
And here’s one more piece that’s often overlooked:
It comes from recognizing that inner voice—the one that speaks up the moment the mic goes live. You know the one:
“You’re not ready for this.”
“You’re going to mess it up.”
“Who do you think you are?”
Instead of trying to silence that voice, which never works and only makes it all the louder, try something different…
Get to know that voice and make it your ally. Reassure it. Thank it for trying to protect you—and then speak anyway.
Because here’s the thing: that same voice, when trained and trusted, becomes your greatest resource. It’s the one that will whisper things like this:
“Slow down, you’re rushing.”
“This is your moment—bring it home.”
“They didn’t ask the right question—here’s your chance to pivot.”
In the media world, when an interview starts to go off course, it’s that inner voice—well-trained and calm—that helps you gently bring it back on track.
It’s time to learn it. Practice with it. And then trust it to support you, not sabotage you.
Because the bottom line is this: When you take the time to reflect, rehearse, and breathe, something powerful happens. Your message gets sharper. Your delivery gets smoother. And that version of you—the confident, relaxed, fully present version—begins to show up more naturally. And that’s what we all want.
Even people in the audience. They want you to succeed too. They want you to do well.
And just in case you have a tendency to be hit by perfectionism, it’s not about being perfect–at all. It’s about being prepared.
And trust me, that preparation…it shows.
To your success!
Joanne
#soar
#findyourvoice
#bookmarketing
#bookpublicity
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