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 want you to be successful with talk radio, so here are some "insider" tips to help you become the kind of guest every host wants to have on his or her show:
- Avoid distractions. Make sure there are no kids screaming and grabbing your leg or dogs that are barking. Turn off your computer and TV, and make sure your cell phone is off as well. Lock yourself in a room where you can be alone and there won't be any distractions so you can work.
- Pay attention to the way you say words. Before your interview, try out loud what your main points are. Remember that how you say something is just as important as what you say. Changes in tone keep the listener's attention.
- Be honest. Be honest and open with the host at all times. People find it easier to connect with people who are "open books." Don't be afraid to be yourself and say what's on your mind. Don't forget that Howard Stern built his empire by telling the truth to his listeners.
- If you trip, stutter, or make a mistake during an interview, don't think about it. Just move on. Don't dwell on your mistakes. Don't get flustered. Stay on point, and everything will be fine.
- Be energetic. Make sure you come to the table with ENERGY. When you're on the air, radio hosts love it when you get excited. If you're excited about your message, people will be excited about it, too, and they'll be more likely to want to read your book.
- Define your message. Before you go on the air, you should know the most important things you want to say about your book. No matter how far off topic the host's questions take you, make sure you stay "on message." Bring the answer back to your main point every time.
- Speak slowly and clearly, and make sure you E-NUN-CI-ATE. You don't want your words to get all mixed up. People won't be able to understand you if you talk too quickly. Make sure to say things clearly so that people will keep listening.
- Keep notes close by, but try not to read from them. Know your stuff inside and out. If you read your notes or word-for-word answers, you'll sound stiff and practised, and your audience will lose interest. You want to sound as natural as possible so that people are more likely to respond to your message by buying.
- Don't get too technical or use words that most people won't understand. Remember that you're trying to connect with a lot of people. Use words that most people will understand, and save the big words for your next game of Scrabble.
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
