By Maxine Thompson
Copyright 2005 Black Butterfly Press
http://www.maxinethompson.com
As an Internet Radio Host of On The Same Page onwww.voiceamerica.com, over the past three and a half years, Ihave interviewed such illustrious guests as Haki Madhubuti ofThird World Press, Dr. Rosie Milligan of Milligan Books,Celebrity Mother Love, Mark Victor Hansen, Jack Canfield,(Chicken Soup For the Soul Fame), Dan Poynter, and otherwriting/publishing experts. From the experienced to thenon-experienced guests, this much I have gleaned—these skillsare learnable. Even if you are a first-time author, you, too,can become an exciting interviewee.
Why is Internet radio important as a media? For one, it has aglobal audience. I’ve interviewed guests who were as far away asParis and in the Bahamas. Anyone with a computer and InternetAccess can listen to your show
Most of all, Internet radio is not only the wave of the future,it is beginning to be heard in automobiles, so this is a goodplace to start your publicity trek.
What are Internet Radio Hosts looking for In Their Guests?
1. Hosts are drawn to an energetic, upbeat, personable guest. Ifyou have a flat liner personality, be honest with yourself.Practice on a tape recorder, even if it’s your own answermachine, or in the mirror. If necessary, get a media coach. Butpractice, practice, practice.
2. Host like guests who are well-informed and on top of theirgame. Stay abreast of trends and provide updated newinformation. (Read the newspaper, the Internet, do research. Bean information junkie.) Consider different hooks and angles,i.e. how has the Internet changed the way we do business? Howcan writers market their books on the Internet?
3. Hosts like controversy, but not particularly of the “shockjock” variety. If you are speaking on a controversial subject,be non-judgmental and do not offend any particular group ofpeople. Make sure you learn how not to use language, which iscondescending or demeaning such as using phrases like “thosepeople.”
4. If you are a fiction writer, show how your novel addressessocial issues such as race, police brutality, crime, corruption,drugs, AIDS, etc. Most of all, show how your story can provideinformation that improves the quality of other people’s lives,even if your story is fiction.
5. If you are from a medical, business or scientific background,make your interview interesting and lively. Don’t make it apedantic lecture.
Tips for Improving Your Interview:
Send the host your press release and a review copy of your book,including news articles or book reviews, before the show.
Send the host a list of questions or topics that you are wellversed in.
Become a guest who knows how to talk about his/her work and notjust all about “me.” Remember, people are always tuned into thisstation—WIFM—“What’s in it For Me?”
Don’t just try to sell the store (your book, your seminar, yourproduct), but sell the story.
Learn to answer in sound bites. Do not go over one minute for areply.
Drop your voice to cue the host that you are through speakingand waiting for the next question.
Give the host time to ask a question, without having tointerrupt, which means you are going on too long.
Learn the importance of pausing and deep breathing. Don’t run onlike a motor mouth.
Learn the power of the pause, even while you are answering. Thishabit will make listeners lean forward to hear what you’resaying. It also sends a message that you are a serious personwho chooses his words carefully.
If possible, use anecdotes, recite poems, or read excerpts fromyour book. Tasteful humor always works.
Don’t forget to provide your web page and where your book can bepurchased.
When you hear the music before the break, you have 30 seconds towrap up whatever point you were making.
Sharpen your axe. Attend Toastmaster’s or join Speaking Bureausto become a better speaker.
Learn how to adlib and speak off the cuff, particularly if acaller catches you off guard.
Learn to disagree, without being disagreeable.
Listen to other shows as well as “On The Same Page” onwww.voiceamerica.com.
Before the show, confirm with the host. (Most of the time, Iconfirm beforehand.) Email if an emergency comes up and youcan’t be on the show.
Although I usually email a thank you note, I seldom get themback. Remember to send a Thank-you email. This could go a longway if you get on Howard Stern’s Show or Oprah’s.
* “On The Same Page” airs on Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. Pacific Timelive, then re-airs at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Friday 4:00 p.m.PST and Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
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