We've been telling you for almost 20 years that talk radio is a great way to get a lot of people interested in your book. We are one of the best radio show producers in the country, and every week we schedule anywhere from 50 to 100 interviews. We know what works because we work closely with the media and find out what doesn't. We want you to be successful with talk radio, so here are ten new "insider" tips to help you become the kind of guest every host wants to have on his or her show:
- Learn about what's going on in the news right now. Keep up with what's going on in the world and act like you know a lot about your topic. Don't be surprised by a new or breaking news story that has something to do with your book. People will trust you more if they think you know what you're talking about.
- Make sure the pace of your interview is the same as the radio host's. If the host talks quickly, you should talk faster. If the host talks slowly and easily, do your best to match his or her style. By getting used to the host's pace, you'll get along better with him. Regular listeners will still be interested in what you have to say if you and the host get along well.
- Limit the amount of numbers and statistics you talk about during your interview. If you have a statistic that you think fits your message very well, use it and drive the point home. But be careful. If you throw too many numbers at the audience, they will lose interest and turn off.
- Don't forget to talk about your most important points. Sometimes you can get so caught up in the conversation with the host or with listeners who call in that you lose sight of what you were trying to say. Try to keep your main point in mind and don't stray too far from it.
- Don't act like you know something you don't if you don't. Don't be afraid to say that you don't know something or don't know the answer to a question the host asks. If you act like you know something when you don't, you will lose credibility right away. On the other hand, when people believe you to be honest, your credibility goes through the roof.
- Don't judge people for their political views. If you are talking about a political issue that is controversial, you should always try to agree that the other side has some good points. Don't forget that radio listeners are different. By "giving and taking," you will improve your credibility with everyone in the room.
- If you can, find a way to tie in something local. Whether you're talking to a radio show from St. Louis, Detroit, or Sacramento, make sure to talk about the area. If your book is about the economy or real estate, for example, you could talk about the unemployment rate or home prices in that city. By making the message as local as possible, you can draw in your listeners even more and, more importantly, keep them interested in what you have to say.
- Be real. Show people what you're really like. Don't act like you're something you're not. If people think you're fake, they won't listen to what you have to say. Be REAL. Be true to yourself.
- Do NOT use a cell phone. Make sure that all of your interviews take place on a secure landline. Cell phones aren't reliable for interviews on the air, and you might get cut off in the middle of your interview. Talk radio hosts hate this because they now have to fill the time that was supposed to be your interview. No host wants his show's timing and flow to be messed up. Don't expect them to put you back on the air or reschedule you if your interview is cut short because of a cell phone problem.
Remember that the goal of every interview is to teach the people listening about your book and get them interested in buying it.
Call me or my husband Steve at 727-443-7115, ext. 208, to find out more about talk radio and how it can help you successfully promote your book. The best thing is to talk to someone in person.
Call us right away; we can't wait to hear from you!
With best wishes,
President Marsha Friedman
