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Raise awareness and amplify your message through media.
If you're a mental health and wellness speaker looking to raise awareness and amplify your message through media, pitching to news anchors and producers as well as contributors for magazines is a powerful strategy. However, making the right connections and crafting an impactful pitch requires a thoughtful approach.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Step 1: Research the Right Contacts
To ensure your pitch reaches the right person, focus on identifying key contacts in your area.
Identify Key People: Look for news anchors, reporters, or producers who cover health, wellness, or lifestyle topics. Check the station’s website, LinkedIn profiles, or Twitter bios.
Find Their Email: News station websites often list contact info for their newsroom or producers. Use tools like Hunter.io or RocketReach for email addresses if needed.
In Wisconsin, for example, look at local stations like:
WISN 12 News (Milwaukee)
News Tips: wisntvnews@hearst.com
Executive Producer: Tanner Kahler
FOX 11 News (Green Bay)
Anchors: Michelle Melby, Mark Leland
Digital Executive Producer: Scott Hurley
PBS Wisconsin
Executive Producer of News: Frederica Freyberg
Use tools like LinkedIn, station websites, or professional directories like Trustoria to find anchors, reporters, or producers who focus on health and wellness topics.
Step 2: Craft a Compelling Pitch
Your pitch should immediately capture attention, be concise, and highlight your value to their audience.
Start with a Hook: Open with a timely or compelling reason to cover your topic. For example, tie it to Mental Health Awareness Month, stress during the holidays, or workplace burnout trends.
Show Your Value: Mention your credentials (mental health and wellness speaker) and what you bring to their audience (practical tips, unique insights, or real-life stories).
Keep it Brief: Your email should be concise, no more than 200 words.
Call-to-Action: End with a clear ask, such as scheduling a quick call or setting up a meeting.
Example Template: Subject Line: [Timely Topic] for Your [Segment Name]
Hi [Anchor/Producer’s Name],
I’m [Your Name], a mental health and wellness speaker who specializes in [specific topics, e.g., emotional agility, resilience, and burnout prevention]. With [timely hook, e.g., the holiday season around the corner], many people are navigating increased stress, and I’d love to share strategies for your audience to manage this effectively.
Here’s a potential segment idea: “[Specific Topic Title].”Key takeaways would include:
[Brief, actionable tip 1]
[Brief, actionable tip 2]
[Brief, actionable tip 3]
I’d be happy to provide additional insights or join you for a live/recorded segment. Let me know if we can set up a time to discuss this further.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Your Credentials]
[Your Website]
[Your Phone]
Here's a formula you can use:
Subject Line:
"Enhancing Mental Health Awareness: Segment Proposal for [Station Name]"
Body:
Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and your expertise as a mental health speaker. Highlight your credentials, such as your work on emotional intelligence, resilience, or burnout prevention.
Timeliness: Tie your pitch to current events or seasonal themes, such as holiday stress or Mental Health Awareness Month.
Segment Idea: Offer a specific idea with actionable takeaways. For example:
Title: “Holiday Burnout? How to Stay Mentally Resilient”
Key Takeaways:
Simple ways to manage stress during the holidays.
How to recognize signs of burnout early.
Quick mental resets anyone can use.
Call-to-Action: Close by inviting them to connect for a conversation or to schedule a segment.
Step 3: Leverage Social Media
Social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn are powerful tools to connect with journalists and producers. Here’s how to make the most of them:
Follow Anchors, Producers & Contributors: Engage with their posts by liking, commenting, and sharing insights.
Build Relationships: Share relevant articles or insights they might find valuable. Consistent interaction helps establish your presence before you pitch.
Comment Thoughtfully: Add value by commenting or sharing relevant insights on their posts. Build rapport before pitching.
Step 4: Send Press Releases
Consider writing a professional press release if you’re launching a campaign or event tied to mental health. Tools like PR Newswire or EIN Presswire can help you distribute your message to Wisconsin media outlets and beyond.
Step 5: Be Persistent and Polite
Sometimes, it takes multiple attempts to get a response.
Follow-Up: If you don’t hear back, follow up politely after 3-5 business days. Keep your follow-up short, reiterate your value, and, if possible, offer a new angle.
Provide Updates: Share additional information or a new angle in your follow-up.
Example Follow-Up:
“Hi [Name],I just wanted to follow up on my email about contributing to a mental health segment for [Station Name]. I’d be happy to provide additional resources or explore other topics that may resonate with your audience. Please let me know how I can best assist!”
Step 6: Offer Local Angles
Producers and anchors often prioritize stories with a strong local angle.
Producers love local experts. Emphasize your connection to the community.
Highlight specific issues relevant to their audience, like local mental health resources or trends.
If you’re based in Wisconsin, emphasize your ties to the community or address local issues, such as mental health resources in Milwaukee, Madison, or Green Bay.
Step 7: Be Camera-Ready
If your pitch is accepted, ensure you’re prepared to deliver a polished segment:
Practice Your Key Points: Rehearse your main messages so you can communicate them clearly and confidently in short bites.
Provide Supporting Materials: Offer handouts, statistics or additional resources for the audience to review or download.
Engage with Energy: Television and radio are dynamic mediums—use an engaging tone and body language.
Let's wrap it up!
Securing media opportunities as a mental health and wellness speaker is about preparation, persistence, and personalization. By building relationships, crafting compelling pitches, and positioning yourself as an expert, you can inspire meaningful conversations about mental health on a larger platform.
Are you a mental health and wellness professional looking to start or strengthen your speaking business, let's partner at Speak to the Soul. We have several ways to support you with making an impact, influence and diverse income.
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