10
TIPS FOR BECOMING AN EXCELLENT TALK RADIO GUEST
(PART 3 OF A 5-PART SERIES)
by Marsha Friedman, President EMSI
For nearly two decades,
we've been telling you about the value of talk radio as a means for promoting
your book to the masses. As one of the country's top providers of radio shows
around the country, we schedule anywhere from 50 to 100 interviews week in and
week out. As a result of our close working relationship with the media, we know
what works and what doesn�t. Because we want you to succeed with talk radio,
here are ten new �inside� tips to help you become the kind of guest every host
wants to have on his or her show:
1. Be confident.
Present yourself and your message with confidence. Be sure of yourself and know
your topic inside and out. Try not to sound shaky or insecure about what you
have to say. If you project an air of confidence, you�ll sound more credible to
listeners and you�ll be perceived as an expert in your field.
2. Make sure you
present information that is valuable for the audience. When preparing
for your interview, ask yourself: �What about my message will interest the
listening audience?� If the information you impart is valuable, listeners
will be more likely to stay tuned to the show. Don�t forget that it's the
host's job to keep his audience tuned in. If it's clear that the audience is
being stimulated by your information, the host may want to keep you around for
more segments or even ask to have you on again.
3. Be warm.
Make an effort to sound warm and personable. Projecting warmth to the audience
will make them more likely to stay tuned in. If you come across as cold and
detached, listeners may �detach� themselves from your message and switch to
another station.
4. Be prepared for
confrontation. Be ready to deal with negative comments from hosts and
possibly even callers. Be careful not get into a screaming match with the
host. It's his show and he will always have the last say. You will earn the
respect of listeners (and maybe even the combative host) if you remain firm but
polite. Simply acknowledge what he has to say and move on with your message.
5. Don�t come across
like an infomercial. While you certainly want the listeners to know how
they can purchase your book, product or service, you don�t want to sound overly
pushy or you may end up offending the host. Concentrate on being an informative
and entertaining guest. The host understands why you are on the air and if you
entertain his audience, he will gladly endorse your product or service.
6. Don�t be too wordy.
While you certainly want to communicate your main points to the audience, you
want to make sure that they are short and succinct like sound bites. By
succinctly presenting your message, you stand a better chance of having the
audience remember your message.
7. Learn everything you
can about the show before your interview. Check out a station's website
prior to your interview. If there is any way to listen to the show online or
live on the air, do that as well. By familiarizing yourself with the host and
the show, you�ll be better prepared for your interview. You�ll know if he is
right-wing or left-wing, excited or relaxed, friendly or combative, etc. By
learning what the show and its audience is all about, you�ll be able to tailor
your message so that it is widely accepted by the host and his listeners.
8. Compliment the host.
Go out of your way to be complimentary of hosts and producers. If a host asks
you a particularly good, tough or welcome question, thank him for it. Whenever
the opportunity arises, make sure to compliment the host on his show. This
helps to cultivate good feelings between you and a host. It's simply good
manners. If the host really likes you, you may get a hearty plug at the
conclusion of your interview.
9. Remember names.
Before your interview, write down the host's name and use it frequently
throughout the show. Additionally, when taking calls from listeners, always
write down the first name of the caller and use it when possible. This makes
the interview more personal and intimate. Listeners will be more likely to
develop an affinity for you and will be more engaged with you and your topic.
10. Be punctual. Punctuality helps to immediately establish a friendly rapport with the host or producer of the talk show. If the station is calling you, make sure that you keep your line clear and stay by the phone. If you are scheduled to call station, make sure to be on-time or you run the risk of your interview being canceled.
Remember---your intention for every
interview is to enlighten the listening audience about your book and interest
them in purchasing it.
Warmest Regards, Marsha Friedman, President
EMSI
If you would like to hear more about
talk radio and how it can help you successfully promote your book, call me or my
husband Steve at 727-443-7115, ext. 208. Nothing beats a real-life
conversation!
Call today � we�re looking forward to
hearing from you!
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