My PR Firm Will Offer Free Training for Anyone Selected to Debate Bill O'Reilly

Our friend Bill O'Reilly has launched a contest for people who want to "let (him) have it" in a live, in-studio debate:

"During the month of February six lucky "Factor" viewers will be flown to New York City or Los Angeles ... with hotel and meals paid for by us. All you have to do is convince us by e-mail (and later by telephone) that you are a good debater and that you can hold your own with O'Reilly on a topic of your choosing."

Instructions for entering the contest, along with the rules, are at Bill's Web site.

About a year ago, Slate offered some tips for debating O'Reilly. These included:

"Take the Zen Approach

"...[M]ost of the time he's as reactive as a 4-year-old child in need of a nap. If his guests treat him with respect ... he'll smile and conduct the most cordial interview you can imagine ... It's a show mainly fueled by ire: If his guests are courteous and prepared, he spins his wheels.

"In two recent appearances ... Seymour Hersh tamed the Fox madman with those techniques. He never reacted angrily, never gave O'Reilly a foothold, and never fed O'Reilly's anger with his own. O'Reilly barely interrupted and came away smiling and refreshed at the close of the interviews. Meanwhile, Hersh succeeded both times in getting his points across to the largest cable talk show audience. The episodes were like a prime-time version of The Charlie Rose Show, only slower."

Sounds like basic media training to me -- something my PR firm does pretty well. So here's the deal:

If you apply and are selected to debate Bill on his show, we will provide you with two free 30-minute coaching sessions (via telephone, unless you live in Dallas) to help you prepare for your big showdown.

Just e-mail us through our blog, Media Orchard, at [e-mail] or call us at 972.235.3439.

Good luck!