Radio Guest Tips

by Debbi Dachinger

Here are a few bits of info to understand before you are interviewed on radio which

will prove to be invaluable during and after the interview:

 - When calling about establishing your first interview - remember to be pleasantly persistent. If you do not receive a call-back after the 2nd call, send a book cover postcard, give them time to receive it and then try calling again.

 - Create great relationships with everyone involved in the radio show and station. On one occasion I was having trouble getting to the producer. After several lovely conversations with the scheduler, I sent her a signed copy of my book and hinted at passing it by the producer. The day after she received it the producer called and booked me as a guest.

- If you cannot get a positive response after the 3rd email, give it up, shout, "Next!" and email someone else. Try telephoning or snail mail that is getting a better response these days.

 - Producer's name. The producer usually books the show, however you should try to talk to the host if at all possible to get a feel for how the interview will go.

- When you get a hold of the producer or have booked the show here are some things to ask about or keep in mind...

            1) Where can people listen to the radio show?

            2) Will they call you or will you be calling them? What phone number? Do they have an emergency number? Be sure the producer has your direct phone number and be sure you know exactly when they will be calling you or if you will be calling them.

            3 )What is their complete address, office phone number

            4) What is the Show name and the Host name. Verify spelling and pronunciation. It is also a good idea to have this in front of you during the interview so you can refer to the show and to the host(s) by name. Ask them if there will there be more than one host or guest on at the same time.

Listen to Debbi Dachinger on "Dare to Dream" Radio, Wednesday's at 11 AM PT in

HealthyLife.net http://deborahdachinger.com/

Popular Topics for Aspiring Radio Show Guests

By Debbi Dachinger

Over 119 million people a week listen to internet radio which is getting much more play these days than traditional stations. Many of the biggest talk show hosts like to have guests on the air, usually via telephone. Although traditional radio wants topics steeped in sensationalism, controversy, political rabble-rousing and negative topics to create drama and spike emotions, there are some great positive topics that can still get you 'in back of the mike' and not contribute negative energy to the people and the planet. Here are some of them:

1.  Health, Fitness, Weight Loss, Nutrition & Alternative Healing

2.  Saving Money - Consumer Scams

3.  Sex & Relationships

4.   Schools, Education & Parenting

5.   Hollywood, Celebrities, TV, Movies & Entertainment

6.   Sports, Superstars and Outrageous Salaries

7.   Making Money, Stocks, Investments, Retirement & Taxes

8.   Computers, The Internet & High Tech Innovations

9.   Autos: Performance, Care, Purchase, Repair & Maintenance

10.  Travel: Deals, Destinations & Dangers

11.  Careers, Jobs & Business

12.  Home & Garden Improvement and Maintenance

If you can find something unique and compelling to say about one of these topics, and ESPECIALLY if you can tie it into a topical current event, chances are you'd be a terrific call-in guest on talk radio.  And, if you have a product (like a book or website), most of the time you'll even have

the opportunity to "plug" it on the air.

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Debbi Dachinger is a popular radio and TV media personality and guest, a speaker, a multi-book and sought after media coach. Debbi  has the fun, cutting-edge talk radio show 'Dare To Dream' broadcasting every Wednesday at 11am PT on www.HealthyLife.net.

Be A Great Radio Guest: Communication & Respect

by Debbi Dachinger

When you link up with anyone connected to a radio show, remember you are building relationships. Treat all communications with care. How you treat everyone leading up, during and after your radio interview can create more positive connections and work for you afterwards.  When the radio folks see that you’re a professional, do a good job and think well of you, they potentially will ask you to come back or recommend you to their colleagues.

All radio hosts are different and have different requirements so listen carefully and provide your materials to the appropriate host/producer/station by the specific date as directed. If you’re an author, or you’re sharing audios, DVDs, etc. be sure to get them to the radio station by the specific date requested. Earlier is better than later. Be considerate and honor the host, their team, and their time

Be responsible and ensure all your materials are what they asked for and are put together professionally. The material you send them should be what they requested.  However, here is short list that may help if they just say 'send me your stuff'.

You'll need a press kit which includes:  

1) A short, to the point cover letter that gives the idea or topic you want to talk about.

2) Your bio, preferably with your picture.

3) If you are an author, also includes a galley or regular copy of your book.

Nice to haves:

4) Copies of book reviews, press releases, articles about you

5)  If you have a book or product send a catalog sheet which is a one page sheet that includes a picture of the book cover/product, the price, benefits and features, advertising info, publicity and promotions plans and  distribution avenues on where they can purchase.

6) Your schedule of appearances and...

7) Sample questions. Why? Because some hosts may not want or have the time to formulate them and it helps make their job easier.

In addition, sometimes a small inexpensive reminder item, related to your topic, can do wonders. For example, if you're sending them a book provide a great book marker with your book's name and picture on it or if you're talking about cutting taxes send them an envelope opener with your name/company name printed on it. Remember be creative!

Debbi Dachinger is a popular radio and TV media personality and guest, a speaker, a multi-book and sought after media coach. Debbi  has the fun, cutting-edge talk radio show 'Dare To Dream' broadcasting every Wednesday at 11am PT on HealthyLife.net.

Radio Guest Jitters?

by Linda Mackenzie

Are you nervous when you thinking about being interviewed on the radio? Well that is just normal. Even the top radio professionals in the industry may get some nervous jitters before being interviewed or going on air.  Most radio stations want sensationalism or controversy and may even set you up negatively to entice their audience, even if they don't believe what they are saying to you. So the only way to really prepare for an interview is to know your topic inside out, be honest, truthful and be prepared for the unexpected.

Most radio hosts are very busy, so when you approach them to get on air you may want to include 8 questions or 'Talking Points' about your topic. In most cases the  radio hosts will use some, or all of them, which puts you ahead in the interview game. However, NEVER read your answers on air. Listeners know when you are reading. A really good radio host will actually hit you with an off the wall question to force you back into conversation mode if they suspect you are reading.

It may help to rehearse these 'Talking Points' once or twice with a friend or family member before actually going on air. You can also have your friend or family member make up their own questions that you don’t know in advance about your area of expertise. The trick is to NOT to rehearse too much because you will sound like a canned response and people will lose interest, including a really good radio host. A good host will have you off the air in record time if your interview sounds canned.

Don't be afraid to make a mistake, listeners usually find this endearing instead of horrifying, because it makes you human. You can either quickly ignore and pass over the mistake, admit the mistake or make a joke about the mistake. To err is human and everyone makes mistakes - just try not to make mistakes about the integrity of the information you are presenting.

Remember a radio interview is just a conversation between two people, which happens to be going out to many. Focus on the conversation and just go with the flow. Remember the only way to really prepare for an interview is to know your topic inside out, be honest, truthful and be prepared for the unexpected.

Follow this blog each week to learn more hints on how to be a great guest on radio!

Since 1996, Linda Mackenzie has been a record-breaking call-in radio host on traditional radio, where she was syndicated and/or simulcast on 246 radio stations/channels. In 2002, a pioneer in internet radio broadcasting, Linda can now be heard worldwide on internet radio.  She is the Founder and General Manager of HealthyLife.net Radio Network.