PSA Tips

Stephanie Hoffman, consultant and trainer
Small Business Development Center hosted by Shasta College and College of the Siskiyous
(530) 842-2470

When I hear “PSA” I think back to watching late night television and seeing a finely dressed person say the organization’s mission statement. The person often looked uncomfortable in the studio while reading the prepared script. Your PSA experience does not have to be that way; it wouldn’t be fun for you or for the audience.

Write your PSA as if you are having a conversation with someone who just asked you, “So, what do you do?” Here’s your opportunity to let the listener know how your organization provides value to Siskiyou County and why he or she might be interested in knowing more.

Ten Tips

Here are ten tips to help you enjoy (yes, enjoy) doing your PSA at the MCTV 15? studio:

1. Begin with the End is Mind

Think about the following two questions:

1. When people hear your PSA what do you want them to do afterwards?

2. What is the purpose of the PSA? After answering the questions, then begin writing your PSA outline.

2. PSA Outline

Write down the PSA using the following outline:

• Hook (first sentence stimulates interest)
• What do you do?
• Whom do you serve?
• So what? (why should someone care?)

3. Audience Centered

The PSA is for the audience not you. Keep others in mind when writing the PSA. What is the single most interesting aspect about your organization you want others to know?

4. Practice and Review

Use a digital recorder and timer and practice it several times. Listen to it with your eyes closed. Also, use a digital video camera and record yourself and review the video clip. Many regular digital cameras have a video feature.

5. Energy and Joy

What message could you say that would excite you the most? After you say the PSA you should feel energized and joyful.

6. Smile and Belly-Speak

Smile right before you begin the PSA to relax your facial muscles. Visualize speaking from your belly (breath into your belly) and not your throat for a more natural sound.

7. Nervousness

Some nervousness is good and normal. Use it to feel alive and alert. Suggestion: take a deep breathe and say to yourself, “Breathing in I feel calm and breathing out I feel relaxed.” (Zen masters use this technique and look how relaxed they are!)

8. Power Suit

Please no green in your outfit. Wear an outfit you feel really good about. Something that makes you say to yourself, “I look marvelous!” Suggestion: best colors to wear are mild and soft pastels NOT green. Be prepared: there will be hot lights during the PSA filming.

9. Pump Up

On the drive over to the MCTV 15? studio, get “pumped up” for the PSA e.g., listen to music or a motivating tape.

10. Reward Yourself

After completing the PSA, do something special for yourself as a reward. It could be something tangible and or just congratulate yourself for doing something new and a little scary.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
- Wayne Gretzky, hockey legend