Even the most experienced PR professionals can feel a twinge of nerves before picking up the phone to pitch a journalist. Whether you're new to media relations or a seasoned pro, the key to a successful phone pitch lies in preparation, clarity, and confidence. At MediaCast, we’ve spent over a decade cultivating strong media relationships, and we know firsthand that the right approach can transform phone anxiety into a powerful communication tool.

Here’s a few of our top tips on how you can approach phone pitching with confidence:

1. Do your homework and know your journo

Before dialling, take the time to research the journalist you’re pitching. What topics do they cover—retail, business, technology, lifestyle? What recent stories have they written? Tailoring your pitch to their specific beat not only increases your chances of landing coverage but also demonstrates professionalism and respect for their work.

Journalists are inundated with pitches daily. The more relevant yours is, the more likely it is to stand out. And when you’re confident that your pitch aligns with their interests, you’ll naturally feel more self-assured.

2. Get to the point … fast!

Time is a journalist’s most valuable asset, especially if they’re on deadline! Rambling through your pitch and focussing on irrelevant details is the quickest way to get a journo to switch off…

Structure your key points before calling, ensuring your message is clear, compelling, and succinct.

A strong media pitch should:

     ✔ Start with a sharp, engaging hook – is it data? Your talent? An event?

     ✔ Highlight why the story is timely and relevant

     ✔ Offer a clear next step (e.g., an interview, a media kit, or additional insights)

If you can communicate the essence of your pitch in under 30 seconds, you're on the right track.

3. Manage your nerves like a pro

Even the most confident communicators experience pre-call jitters – it’s the element of the unknown! Here’s a few tips to help calm your nerves before you hit dial:

• Take some deep breaths! Slow, controlled breathing can instantly calm your nervous system, steadying your voice and your focus.
• Be mindful of your posture. Stand or sit up straight – this physically signals confidence and will help you project your voice more clearly.
• Get to the point, but don’t speak too fast! Pace yourself and keep a measured pace, speaking too quickly is a symptom of nerves.

4. Practise makes perfect

Practice sharpens your delivery and minimises hesitation. Before you pick up the phone, try:

• Role-playing with a colleague for constructive feedback
• Recording yourself to identify areas for improvement
• Jotting down some notes of key points to keep you on track

That said, try to avoid sounding too rehearsed. Make sure you leave pauses for them to jump in and ask questions or provide feedback. Journalists value authentic, engaging conversations over scripted monologues.

Keep it in perspective

Above all else, always remember that the worst they can say is ‘no thanks’, and that’s absolutely fine! Not every pitch will work for every journo but the good news is, there’s plenty of other outlets and journos to pitch. So if you get a rejection, take a deep breath, shake it off and go again!

We know it can feel scary when you’re first starting out, but mastering the art of phone pitching is such a valuable skill to have as a PR professional. With preparation, clarity, and a calm, confident approach, you’ll find that phone calls can become one of your most effective tools for securing media coverage.

At MediaCast, we specialise in strengthening media connections and ensuring your stories cut through the noise. If you’re looking to elevate your PR strategy and amplify your media presence, let’s talk. Give us a call at 07 3160 3370, we’d love to help you take your communications to the next level.

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