8 Important Tips for Guesting on a Live Call-in Radio Show

By Laura Christianson

Anything can happen on talk radio – and it often does. Particularly when you’re a guest on a live call-in show.

Although callers are screened before they’re allowed on the air, many callers wander off track quickly, or they use the airtime as an opportunity to promote their particular philosophy.

Rabbit trails can be frustrating if you’re the guest author, because you’re on the line – along with the show’s host – to answer questions about your book. Some callers get so enamored with listening to themselves talk that you – the invited guest – get very little airtime.

Despite the fact that your guest appearance may turn out differently than you had anticipated, participating in a live call-in show is invigorating. Here are 8 tips for how to make the most of your experience:

When you guest on a live call-in show, make sure you have paper and pen in hand. Write down the caller’s first name when the host introduces the caller.

Listen carefully to the caller (even when the caller rambles), jot down the caller’s question(s), and make note of key “talking” points you can address.

When it’s your turn to respond, address the caller by name and reiterate the caller’s main point in one succinct sentence. You can say, “Susie, I hear you saying…”

Then respond to the question (or the caller’s implied question) concisely. If the caller rambles and you can’t make sense of what he or she is saying, you can respond, “Good point. That reminds me of…” and then bring the conversation back to the topic at hand.

Most callers just want to be heard. So listen carefully and empathetically.

At the end of the call, thank the caller warmly for participating.

Laura Christianson is the author of The Adoption Network, published by WinePress, and has been a guest on dozens of live radio call-in shows. Visit her at www.bloggingbistro.com.

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How to Stick to Your Agenda When You Guest on a TV Show

This is Part 7 in a series written by Dr. Karen Hayter, one of my favorite TV interviewers (used with permission).

Many people have unpleasant experiences with television interviews because they expect the host to carry the program. You – the guest – MUST know the what, why, and how of your book or project, and you must be interesting.

• How is your book going to help people?
• Educate them?
• Inform them?
• Entertain them?
• Change their lives?

You must convey that information in brief sound bites, with passion, interest, and conviction.

Assume that the host of the program has not read your book and knows next-to-nothing about your project. You and your topic may be treated less wonderfully than you anticipated, but don’t take it personally.

Don’t let the host’s actions and/or attitudes control yours. Don’t let the host “bait” you into something that makes you look stupid…unless you choose to go there. If you want to be controversial, be just that, but get ready for the response, and be ready to defend your position with logic and class. Always be polite; a soft answer really does turn away wrath.

Keep your integrity. If you feel out of your league, it is always better to say, “I don’t know” than to try to fake it.

Know your goal. Remember, you are there to share information, make people think, present a different point of view, entertain, make money, help people, or sell books. Know why you are there and keep your goal in mind throughout your interview.

Also in this series:

Part 1: Key lingo you need to know before guesting on a television talk show

Part 2: 18 Important Tips on How to Dress for a TV Appearance

Part 3: Everything You Need to Know about TV Cameras and Microphones

Part 4: How to Behave Yourself When You’re a Guest on a TV Talk Show

Part 5: How to Interact with the Host and Crew When You’re on a TV Talk Show

Part 6: 11 Essential Items to Bring to a Television Interview

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11 Essential Items to Bring to a Television Interview

This is Part 6 in a series written by Dr. Karen Hayter, one of my favorite TV interviewers (used with permission).

Here is a list of11 essential items you’ll want to bring with you to your television interview – just in case.

1. A little bag or make-up kit holder can be helpful. You might want to include your own make-up, a foundation base, and powder.
2. ½” masking tape – in case something breaks (like your hem or to keep your tie in place).
3. Breath mints
4. Cough drops (suck one 15 minutes before your interview)
5. Tissues
6. Comb
7. Hair spray
8. Clear nail polish (if you’re wearing pantyhose and need to stop a run)
9. Small sewing kit (like the ones hotels have in rooms)
10. Toothpick or dental floss
11. Women, you might consider bringing a redder lipstick to apply that will complement your outfit

Also in this series:

Part 1: Key lingo you need to know before guesting on a television talk show

Part 2: 18 Important Tips on How to Dress for a TV Appearance

Part 3: Everything You Need to Know about TV Cameras and Microphones

Part 4: How to Behave Yourself When You’re a Guest on a TV Talk Show

Part 5: How to Interact with the Host and Crew When You’re on a TV Talk Show

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How to Interact with the Host and Crew When You’re on a TV Talk Show

This is Part 5 in a series written by Dr. Karen Hayter, one of my favorite TV interviewers (used with permission).

Ask what he/she would like to be called, and then call them by name. This will establish rapport.

If you have questions, ask them prior to the program or during breaks.
If the show is a “call in” be sure and call the person on the phone by name.

If you want a copy of the interview, bring a VHS tape and have it labeled for mailing and the name and date of the show. You might even want to include a mailing envelope, postage paid.

Try to imagine that you and the host are the only people in the world. Try to imagine a cocoon around the two of you, and make sure you get said what you came to say.

If you are on with other people, know what you want to say. Don’t get baited or hooked into saying something you can’t back up.

Be sure and thank the host. And, after the show is over, you may want to thank the crew – they hardly ever get any affirmation. Send a thank-you note to the host, station, whatever.

Practice not paying attention to distractions, whether something falls down or someone is talking. Focus and concentrate. And have fun!

Recognize that the goal of most television is to entertain/inform/educate, to keep people from switching channels (channel surfing) and to sell products. You are, in some ways, merchandise to them, and you may be treated as such. Don’t worry about it. If the crew acts like you don’t exist, or if they talk, laugh, whatever, during the program, just ignore it and don’t take it personally. They have done thousands of these shows, and it is second nature to them.

Also in this series:

Part 1: Key lingo you need to know before guesting on a television talk show

Part 2: 18 Important Tips on How to Dress for a TV Appearance

Part 3: Everything You Need to Know about TV Cameras and Microphones

Part 4: How to Behave Yourself When You’re a Guest on a TV Talk Show

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How to Behave Yourself When You’re a Guest on a TV Talk Show

This is Part 4 in a series written by Dr. Karen Hayter, one of my favorite TV interviewers (used with permission).

Don’t smoke, or chew gum, tobacco, etc.

Call people by name if you are introduced to them… or take initiative to introduce yourself. Shake hands (firmly) with the people you meet, look them in the eyes, and repeat their name.

Be cordial, kind.

Feel free to use hand motions, facial expressions, whatever you think appropriate.

Be yourself. Don’t fake it and try to be someone you are not; it will come across on camera.

Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before. Don’t fill up on heavy food or sweets or caffeine the night before, the day of, or in the Green Room prior to the program.

If your throat gets dry, try water (at room temperature or a little warmer). Do not drink anything COLD.

Bring a lozenge to suck on for a few minutes. Be sure and bring a tissue to put the lozenge in if you sit down on the set and the lozenge is still in your mouth.

Don’t sniff, or make smacking or other noises with your mouth while on camera.

If you have to sneeze or cough while on camera, try to cover your mic with your hand and turn your head away.

Keep your cool. If you blow it, laugh at yourself. Avoid saying, “uh,” “duh,” “you know,” and other fillers.

Avoid the tendency to say, “In my book…”

Have passion about your subject. Be animated. Have “high energy” but not “over the top.”

Also in this series:

Part 1: Key lingo you need to know before guesting on a television talk show

Part 2: 18 Important Tips on How to Dress for a TV Appearance

Part 3: Everything You Need to Know about TV Cameras and Microphones

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