Ensure your pitch won’t fall on deaf ears - try these tips when you are pitching your story to a reporter:

- Create the pitch before you pick up the telephone. In other words, sit down in front of your computer and write out the pitch. Then rehearse it until you’re able to do it convincingly within 30 seconds.
- Let the person on the other end of the phone know who you are and where you’re from. The next words out of your mouth need should be, “Is this a good time to talk?”
- Explain your idea in one or two sentences. Then follow it up with a very short explanation—one sentence, if possible—as to why readers or listeners would care.
-The next question to ask is, “Does this sound like something you'd be interested in?”
- Use the word “trend” in your pitch and reporters will immediately perk up.
- Never use the word publicity. It will kill your chances.

To learn more about what a perfect telephone pitch consists of, check out Secrets of Perfect Pitching to Reporters.