Ringo Walked Out On Regis Visit - Why Getting Your Sound Bites — or Musical Numbers — in Order Matters

Did you see the Associated Press story last week about Ringo Starr, who walked off the set of “Live with Regis and Kelly” rather than cut short one of his songs? This story ran on page two of the Seattle Times.

Starr didn’t realize his performance needed to be 2 1/2 minutes or less, and he refused to cut his song’s 4-minute, 15-second length. The spokeswoman for “Regis and Kelly’ said Starr’s appearance had been booked since November and Starr’s representatives had agreed to the time requirement.

This incident brings to mind the importance of having one’s sound bites — or musical numbers — in good order before show time. If you are granted 2 1/2 minutes, make the most of the time assigned. And remember that two minutes flies by quickly. That means you have to have your messages tight, compelling, strong, and memorable.

If you need to get your sound bites in order for national talk shows like Oprah and “Regis and Kelly” or the local TV afternoon talk show in your own backyard, register now for the Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. (PST) teleconference with PR Secrets CEO Susan Harrow and me. You’ll learn plenty of useful and timely tips to make the most of your time — however brief — in the media spotlight.