We??re all familiar with the litany of TV and radio talk shows.
Perhaps you??ve watched or listen??maybe you thought ?C I would
make a great guest! Well, if you think you would make a great TV
and radio talk show guest??read on and learn how to get on TV
and radio talk shows! A radio or TV talk show, can be a great
publicity move. It takes some effort, but with a little
research, and a lot of perseverance, you could be on your way to
promoting your product, service or even yourself on a radio or
TV talk show.
Step 1 - Groundwork
You need to think about your pitch to the radio or TV talk show.
What do you have to say that's new, interesting, unique and
different? What's your angle or story idea? Do you have a unique
product? Are you an expert in a field?
Once you given some thought to about your pitch, prepare a one
page backgrounder on yourself. This fact sheet is very important
if you are just venturing into the talk show arena. Include a
professional head shot picture and highlight all of your
previous speaking engagements, published articles, books etc.
You need to build credibility since you are an unknown entity to
the radio or TV talk show producer.
Now that your backgrounder or fact sheet is complete, research
the various talk shows where you would like to appear. No sense
wasting your time or the producer's time if your topic idea is
not appropriate for the genre of the talk show. When doing your
research, find out what types of topics the show is looking for.
Often, the talk show's website or the radio station website are
good starting places.
Check out how the radio or TV talk show likes to receive topic
ideas. Do they prefer phone calls, emails or is there an
application form available? Try to determine whom you contact
and what the best method for contact is.
Step 2- Practice
Often overlooked, it is always a good idea to practice your
pitch and show your fact sheet to some respected colleagues
before you try it out on the TV or radio producers. Ask your
practice partner to throw out some tough and challenging
questions so that you get practice rebutting any negative
responses. The practice pitch will give you a chance to make any
changes, streamline your narrative and to think about how you
will answer the producer's questions.
Step 3 - Make Contact
Now that you've figured out what you want to say and where you
want to say it, it's time to make contact.
There are a few methods of making contact. The first is to fax
or email your backgrounder and then follow up with the radio or
TV talk show producer a couple of days later. The second idea is
to call the radio or TV talk show producer and sell them on your
idea right away. A lively phone conversation will demonstrate
that you are able to be engaging and interesting. If you get
voice mail, persevere! Mention your idea on the voice mail, send
your backgrounder and then follow up with a phone call again. A
third, albeit more passive way to get on radio and TV talk shows
is to register with one of the many online databanks or
publications, which are directories of people available for
radio and TV interviews. These sites and publications are
designed for media professionals who need to quickly and easily
find guests for various topics.
When you are pitching your ideas, strongly capitalize on your
experience. If you have limited to no talk show experience, the
producer may be scared off by that. Play up any and all
experience you have. For instance, focusing on the broad range
of presentations you've made to various audiences will show that
you're adept at speaking. Even better is to have some references
lined up who will provide testimonial to the producer that you
were an informative, intelligent and engaging speaker.
Another idea is to link your idea with an event or issue in the
news, if possible. If you can inject a 'little' controversy into
a topic (say you represent the opposing side of an issue) you
have a better chance of being signed on.
Here's a quick and easy tip, remember to boost the producers ego
by mentioning something from a previous show topic or guest,
producers love to know that people are watching.
Be excited! You have to believe in your idea, topic or whatever
it is you have to say. The more enthused you are - the more
likely you will get the radio and TV talk show producers to buy
into inviting you to make an appearance on their show.
Step 4 - You're Booked!
O.k. you've gotten the call you were waiting for. You are booked
on your favorite TV or radio talk show! It helps the producers
and talk show host if you supply a list of relevant questions.
Pick 10 or so questions that you would like to be asked. There
is no guarantee that they will use them, but producers and hosts
are notoriously busy people and anything you can do to make
their job a little easier will be appreciated.
Once you've finished your radio or TV talk show appearance, be
sure to update you backgrounder. Surprisingly, the more talk
shows you do, the more you build your credibility as an
'expert'. As soon as you have a few appearances under your belt,
you will likely find it easier to make that initial contact with
the TV or radio talk show producer.
It cannot be stressed enough when you're looking for ways to get
on TV or radio talk shows, perseverance and determination are
the keys. You cannot give up. It will be difficult to make
contact and eventually get booked, but the reward in free
publicity is MORE than worth it! Good luck!
About the author:
Matt Bacak became "#1 Best Selling Author" in just a few short
hours. Recent Entrepreneur Magazine?s e-Biz radio show host is
turning Authors, Speakers, and Experts into Overnight Success
Stories. Discover The Secrets To Unleash The Powerful Promoter
In You! Sign up for Matt Bacak's Promoting Tips Ezine ($100
value) just visit his website at http://www.powerfulpromoter.com
or http://promotingtips.com
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