You never want to inundate a reporter with information, but you don't want to be branded a one-trick pony either. That's why I recommend coming up with three key points for every interview you do.

In advance of every media call or interview, think carefully about ? and write down ? the three key points you want to convey. Keep that list in front of you, or memorize it cold. Wherever the talk goes, make sure you nail those three points.

Make sure each of your points is really only one point. Here are some examples: "Stocks are going to go up." "Local real estate is a bad investment right now." "Early retirement is within closer reach than most people realize." You should be able to make each one in about ten seconds.

Try to summarize all three points in half-a-minute. If it takes longer, go back to your list and rewrite until you don't exceed the thirty second barrier.

Not only do you want to mention your three points, you'll aim to do it three times: in the beginning, middle, and close of your interview. Nine points. That's your message. How to nail a perfect 10? When you hear the reporter recap and voice your message himself.

Ned Steele works with people in professional services who want to build their practice and accelerate their growth. The president of Ned Steele's MediaImpact, he is the author of 102 Publicity Tips To Grow a Business or Practice. To learn more visit http://www.MediaImpact.biz or call 212-243-8383.