EP36: Pitch Perfect - Becoming a Media Expert with Paula Rizzo

Becoming a go-to media expert doesn’t happen by chance. There are multiple factors that make you the guest who is on speed dial. But what are those factors? 

 

Karin Reed talks with Paula Rizzo, an Emmy-winning producer, author and media trainer, about what it really takes to get booked by the media and asked back. Why do some experts become regulars while others never hear a word? What makes a producer stop scrolling and actually open your pitch?

 

Paula shares what she looked for when booking guests during her years in TV news and how she used those same strategies to build her own media presence. She explains the importance of showing up online, pitching with a clear hook and takeaway, and creating content that reflects your expertise. She also unpacks what it means to be “good on camera” and why clarity always matters more than charisma.

 

This episode offers guidance for authors, entrepreneurs and subject-matter experts who want to raise their visibility and be taken seriously by the media. If you’re ready to be seen as the expert, this is where to begin.

 

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Becoming a Media Expert

01:13 Paula Rizzo’s Media Journey

03:20 How to Start: Blogging, Pitching, and Visibility

05:00 What Makes a Great Media Guest

06:10 Why Availability Matters

08:19 How to Pitch the Media Effectively

10:54 Follow-Up and Relationship Building

13:11 Understanding What Producers Actually Need

14:55 Being Good on Camera

19:11 Speaking in Soundbites

21:23 Where to Begin as an Aspiring Expert

23:57 Common Misconceptions About Media

26:04 When to Start Media Training

27:50 Be Visible to Be Found

 

Links

Connect with Paula Rizzo:

For listeners – anyone who is interested in applying for a free strategy session with me can go to SpeakWithPaula.com to apply. There are limited spots available.

For anyone interested in lists and productivity, here’s a list-making starter kit at paularizzo.com/lists

To connect via LinkedIn please go here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paularizzo1/

 

Connect with Karin Reed:

Website: www.speakerdynamics.com

Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/

Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/

Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm