While you may know your industry - and certainly yourself - your best chance for a successful interview lies in preparation.  Prepare and outline the specific points or objectives you wish to make. Draft concise, to-the-point statements or sound bites that highlight these points.  Prepare concise, effective opening and closing statements because they are often the most remembered statements you will make.  Remember to explain your points with examples -- using analogies, related stories and personal experiences to help the interviewer and audience understand your point of view.  Practice, practice, practice. Try delivering your sound bites (in under 20 seconds) with a colleague or friend -- even in front of a mirror! Your goal is to answer anticipated questions quickly, clearly and naturally.  Try to meet the reporter before the program and find out the direction of the segment. Hint: Speaking to each other on a first name basis is best!