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
Written by: Matt Bacak
