Public Relations Tips: Talk Shows

Here are some key tips to getting on a talk show. When the call from a producer comes, don't just jump in and start pitching, begin by asking them what their angle will be with the show. Continue to gather information throughout your conversation. Position yourself as one who is helpful and willing to do whatever is necessary to make the show a success. Understand that time is of the essence and if you don't act immediately, the spot will likely go to someone else. Show the producer your personality.

Don't hesitate to suggest alternative ways to handle the show if they would truly make a better show (don't make suggestions to make you look better, make suggestions to improve the show!) Never pitch or even mention your product during the first interview - how your product is handled can be dealt with after your spot is confirmed. Be brief and engaging in your conversation. Let your inner beauty show through. Be grateful for every opportunity. This could be the beginning of a fantastic career for you.

For more great tips on how to make sure that you're the one being interviewed on a TV talk show, read "Secrets to Get TV Talk Show Hosts to Book You As Their Guest."

Posted by Dan at 01:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

How can you get on a talk show? What kind of guest are the producers looking for? Producers want a decisive guest. They want someone who can handle the fast pace of the show itself and someone who doesn't balk at jumping on a plane in a few hours. "They don't want to smell fear at all," says Prokop. "If you say, `That's so soon,' you're out. The Leeza show called one of our authors on a Friday and said they had an expert scheduled and she can't come. We need a replacement. We'll fly you out on Monday and shoot on Tuesday. The author gasped and her voice trembled." Then she made a major gaff. "She said, `Let me get right back to you and check my calendar.' She called me for permission! She was just so shocked when the big opportunity happened. It took the air out of her lungs. We said, `Call back right now!' By the time she called back they had booked someone else. They're not calling for social reasons."

Producers are always on deadline. And this was a Friday afternoon. They don't have time for a call back - ever. Especially when a scheduled guest cancels they need their experts now. I once heard a saying, "Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine." If you want to be on a show, their poor planning may constitute an emergency on your part. Prokop's client lost the deal out of momentary fear, and not handling the producer's emergency. Don't do the same.

For more great tips on how to make sure that you're the one being interviewed on a TV talk show, read "Secrets to Get TV Talk Show Hosts to Book You As Their Guest."

Posted by Dan at 01:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

What's a common reason people don't get on a talk show? Well, will you try to turn their show into a commercial? Even though a producers knows it's tit for tat - that you're promoting something and they are the vehicle, at the same time they want to know that you know how to deliver an incredible show. This first interview is not the time to discuss your product, service, or cause. In fact, former Oprah producers Molly Allen and Melinda Morrison say that Oprah producers may automatically disqualify you if you dare mention your wares. NEVER NEVER NEVER say "In my book" even once in pre-interview - they'll notice it and make a mental black-mark. Just give them the information.

It's understood that they will do what is necessary to get your book, product, service or company mentioned. Once you've been confirmed as a guest, you can gracefully suggest ways to incorporate whatever you're promoting into the show. Producers will be prepared to show your book or product, put up a chyron (information on the screen that tells your title, web site etc.), use b-roll (background footage filmed before the show), create stills of your products and the like. While they don't want you to be an obnoxious promoter type, they are looking for experience. But that doesn't mean you've been on a national talk show before. It means that you understand how to handle yourself.

For more great tips on how to make sure that you're the one being interviewed on a TV talk show, read "Secrets to Get TV Talk Show Hosts to Book You As Their Guest."

Posted by Dan at 01:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When you want to be on a radio talk show, you have to have a good topic first. So ask yourself: Who do you want to buy your products? The over-50 crowd? Gen-Xers? Single men with lots of disposable income? Choose a topic that appeals to the age group you are targeting. Then focus on the big shows with those demographics. Give your show a catchy, compelling title. Here are several examples taken from rtir.com, the interactive version of Radio-TV Interview Report, the world's largest database of authors and experts who are available for live and telephone interviews on a wide range of subjects.

Will There Be a New Cold War with China?

Coffee is Killing Millions of Americans

Safety Tips Kids Are Dying to Tell You

The No-Stress Way to Discipline Your Kids

Where Will Genetic Engineering Lead Us?

Thousands Are Murdered Each Year at the ATM

Will the Internet Make Schools Obsolete?

Producers say hot topics include how to make, save and invest money; how to be healthier, how to have better relationships, how to be happier, tips for a better sex life, and how to bring more peace and serenity to your work and personal life.

To learn more about getting on a radio talk show see Special Report 28 "How to Get Booked on Radio Talk Shows, Give a Great Interview and Get Invited Back"

Posted by Dan at 08:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

What's another tip to get on a talk show? Get the producer's contact information! One of my clients, inspirational humorist, sales trainer and author of Forget Perfect, Lisa Earl McLeod, missed out on an opportunity because she didn't gather all the producer's contact information during the initial call. She had interest from a top talk show that is no longer on the air. "I got the call while I was in an airport. The producer said, `Tell me your address and fax and I'll get back to you tonight.' I wrote up a pitch right then and wanted to get it to her right away. I gave her my web site address. She probably got all of what she needed from there, which was a mistake on my part. She was so excited at that moment, but then she never called back!

I had gotten her direct number, but didn't have her address or fax number. I would have over-nighted a package to her with five different ideas. I let it get away from me because I wasn't sure what to do." Get the producer's direct dial, fax number, cell phone, everything. Opportunities like this are often never repeated. Timing and timeliness are two key factors to keep in mind at all times. Sometimes time dictates the final outcome in that the person who responds first gets the gig. For more great tips on how to make sure that you're the one being interviewed on a TV talk show, read "Secrets to Get TV Talk Show Hosts to Book You As Their Guest."

Posted by Dan at 01:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

What's another tip to get on a talk show? Get the producer's contact information! One of my clients, inspirational humorist, sales trainer and author of Forget Perfect, Lisa Earl McLeod, missed out on an opportunity because she didn't gather all the producer's contact information during the initial call. She had interest from a top talk show that is no longer on the air. "I got the call while I was in an airport. The producer said, `Tell me your address and fax and I'll get back to you tonight.' I wrote up a pitch right then and wanted to get it to her right away. I gave her my web site address. She probably got all of what she needed from there, which was a mistake on my part. She was so excited at that moment, but then she never called back!

I had gotten her direct number, but didn't have her address or fax number. I would have over-nighted a package to her with five different ideas. I let it get away from me because I wasn't sure what to do." Get the producer's direct dial, fax number, cell phone, everything. Opportunities like this are often never repeated. Timing and timeliness are two key factors to keep in mind at all times. Sometimes time dictates the final outcome in that the person who responds first gets the gig.

For more great tips on how to make sure that you're the one being interviewed on a TV talk show, read "Secrets to Get TV Talk Show Hosts to Book You As Their Guest."

Posted by Dan at 01:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Preparing to be a guest on talk shows
Tags: radio_talk_show get_on_radio getting_on_the_radio booked_for_radio_talk_show radio_show talk_show broadcast_media media news publicity public_relations radio_talk_show_tips prepare_for_show Prep_radio_talk_show radio_talk_show_prep

When you go on a radio talk show, don't just go into it with nothing, and think you will be fine. Be prepared with:

The ability to talk in short sentences. Radio is not the time for long-winded explanations. You must learn to answer the host's questions quickly. Drone on, and the host will cut you off, which will make it sound as though he or she isn't very interested in what you're saying.

A willingness to give free advice instead of constantly hyping your book or product. If your interview is great, your book will sell itself with a little help from the host, who might need to be reminded to tell listeners about your toll-free number to order. Hosts hate it when guests constantly refer to the fact that they're selling something. Listeners hate it when hosts ask an author a question and the author replies, "I guess you'll just have to read the book to find out."

To learn more great tips on how to be prepared for and about getting on a radio talk show see Special Report 28 "How to Get Booked on Radio Talk Shows, Give a Great Interview and Get Invited Back"

Posted by Dan at 01:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When you go on a radio talk show, don't just go into it with nothing, and think you will be fine. Be prepared with:

The ability to talk in short sentences. Radio is not the time for long-winded explanations. You must learn to answer the host's questions quickly. Drone on, and the host will cut you off, which will make it sound as though he or she isn't very interested in what you're saying.

A willingness to give free advice instead of constantly hyping your book or product. If your interview is great, your book will sell itself with a little help from the host, who might need to be reminded to tell listeners about your toll-free number to order. Hosts hate it when guests constantly refer to the fact that they're selling something. Listeners hate it when hosts ask an author a question and the author replies, "I guess you'll just have to read the book to find out."

To learn more great tips on how to be prepared for and about getting on a radio talk show see Special Report 28 "How to Get Booked on Radio Talk Shows, Give a Great Interview and Get Invited Back"

Posted by Dan at 01:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

What's a great way to impress the producers and get on their talk show? Follow the advice of jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie: "It's not how much you play. It's how much you leave out." Keep your list of talking points by the phone when you call a producer (or a producer calls you), so you'll be succinct. You will already have rehearsed your points so that they'll sound natural and inviting.

Be prepared with several different angles or pitches, different ways to slant your information. "Nobody gets on these shows without a pre-interview," says publicist Leslie Rossman. "Be a great interview but don't worry about the product you want to sell them because if you're a great guest and you make great TV, they'll want you." And keep in mind the words of Robert Frost: "Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can't, and the other half who have nothing to say and keep on saying it." For more great tips on how to make sure that you're the one being interviewed on a TV talk show, read "Secrets to Get TV Talk Show Hosts to Book You As Their Guest."

Posted by Dan at 01:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Day of the Interview
Let's assume you're doing a telephone interview. Here's how to sound your best.

Make a cheat sheet that lists the three major points you want to get across in your interview. Post it on the wall in big letters, or keep it in front of you. Next to each point, you should also note a particular story that backs up each point. Remember to keep the story short and don't ramble.

During the interview, stand rather than sit. This will make your voice sound more forceful. It will also let you move around, which will help you deal with the jitters.

Keep a glass of lukewarm water nearby, in case you get dry mouth.

Make sure pets, children, and any other interruptions are safely out of earshot. If you have a door on your office, close it during the interview. If you have a second telephone line or a fax machine with a ring, be sure it is disabled or that the ringer is turned off. Ditto for call waiting.

For more great interviewing tips that will help you get on a radio talk show see Special Report 28 "How to Get Booked on Radio Talk Shows, Give a Great Interview and Get Invited Back"

Posted by Dan at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Critical Follow-up: After a radio talk show, the follow-up is a critical part of getting invited back, or at least learning why you don’t to help you in the future. So do the following:

After the show, send a hand-written thank-you note to the talk show host and to any assistants who were instrumental getting you booked. These go a long way toward helping hosts remember you.

In your note, you might even suggest a follow-up show on a different topic. Remind the host of your ability to fill in on short notice for other guests who have to cancel.

If the host doesn’t book you for another show immediately, don’t hesitate to call again in four to six months.

Remember your media contacts at the holidays. Do not send them a gift. But do send a holiday greeting that keeps your name in front of them.

For more great tips that will help you get on a radio talk show and get invited back see Special Report 28 “How to Get Booked on Radio Talk Shows, Give a Great Interview and Get Invited Back”

Posted by Dan at 08:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

How can you get on a TV talk show? I just received a fax inviting me to go to Orlando Florida to "Get away from life." This got me thinking: there is no "getting away" from life - what we're really looking for is a version of life that is exciting, vibrant and romantic.

Producers, too, want you to give them an enhanced bit of that imagined life - some heightened reality, some myth that speaks to the best of what life is, intense moments of joy and sadness. It's a story of humble beginnings, huge success, tragic flaw and violent death. His story is a mythic drama. While your life or story doesn't have to be as dramatic as Pollock's, look to the aspects of what you're speaking about and pick out the big painterly moments, the startling elements. Give us something that won't have us thinking about flicking that remote or getting up to grab a bag of potato chips. For more great tips on how to make sure that you're the one being interviewed on a TV talk show, read "Secrets to Get TV Talk Show Hosts to Book You As Their Guest."

Posted by Dan at 01:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wardrobe has changed a great deal in television. It used to be the suit was the only way to go. Today’s wardrobes are far more casual and relaxed.

The key to dressing for your interview is dress for your image. If you are being interviewed about something relaxed, be dressed naturally and real. Ask, “How will the host dress?” You don’t want to be underdressed, but at the same time, don’t be stiff looking.

What about colors? The safest color on television is blue. Contrary to what some people might say, reds also photograph well. Avoid white and avoid black. Always avoid patterns and prints, because they are distracting to people, and the camera can’t read them very well. If you’re going to have any patterns or prints, for a woman, put them underneath in the blouse, never on the outside.

What else do you need to know before your television interview? Find out at How To Be A TV Show Host’s Dream Date.

Posted by DK at 07:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

What is the number one thing you can do to be a talk show host’s dream date? Be compelling. If you are not compelling, you are boring, and you’ll never be invited back.

To be compelling, you have to create chemistry with the audience. You need to know what they want, not what you want.

There has to be something that is compelling to the eye. Otherwise, you are a guest who is just a “talking head.” That’s the last thing that you want.

You’ve got to do something that people will remember, and they’ll go, “Hey, did you see that guy?” When it’s valid to the audience, it becomes valid in a producer’s eyes.

For more tips on TV interviews, check out How To Be A TV Show Host’s Dream Date.

Posted by DK at 06:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It happens all the time. The most intelligent and colorful person blanks out when the camera starts to role because they suddenly realize every word is going to be scrutinized, and people are looking just at them. Suddenly they realize they aren’t making any sense, but they can’t stop themselves. It’s a common phenomenon, and it happens to almost anyone who isn’t an expert. How do you keep this from happening to you?

First, block all distractions. You have to focus. When you’re in a studio, there’s a lot going on that is extremely distracting. Just take a moment, with a deep breath, and focus yourself on the interview.

Second, before you sit in your chair, persuade yourself first, so that you can share your enthusiasm for what it is you’re going to talk about. Many people are not terribly confident in what they’re saying because they have this inner voice, this inner critic, that’s saying, “Yeah, but.” Therefore, they don’t want to overstate, so they compensate in the other direction and say something that’s pretty meaningless, that doesn’t have the umpf that it should.

And third, practice with a tape recorder before you ever get to the interview. You should sound mechanical or rehearsed, but just listen to yourself before you go out there so you will already have heard what you sound like.

Get more at How To Be A TV Show Host’s Dream Date.

Posted by DK at 09:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Let’s say that you’ve been on TV and you’ve had a great experience. The interview went great, the host was just wonderful. What do you do afterward?

Write a note to their boss, and copy it to the host. Don’t necessarily write the note to the producer, but write it to the person who’s the general manager of the station, because you are glorifying them and validating them.

Producers and people off the air spend their time seeing the hosts of the show getting all of the attention. It’s completely wrong and backwards, but that’s the way it is.

If you go to their boss, who’s the general manager of the station or whomever is in charge and say, “I had the greatest experience with this person,” and lay out what they did, they will thank you from the bottom of their hearts and they will invite you back.

For more great tips, try How To Be A TV Show Host’s Dream Date.

Posted by DK at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Competition is fierce among guests who want to get onto TV talk shows. How do you determine what those topics you should be talking about, before you start pitching ideas to a particular show?

Subscribe to USA Today. Every producer reads this like a bible, everyday. It sits there on all the tables, and they all look at it and refer to it.

If you pick that up and see, for example, in the news today there is a story about donuts being so popular in America, if you have anything to do with health care or with the food industry, you have an “in.”

You just find some way to tie into what is topical. It can be a stretch, but it can work. That’s your best bet, rather than something coming out of the blue. Producers like to tie it in to what’s out there in the news already.

Find out more helpful information at How To Be A TV Show Host’s Dream Date.

Posted by DK at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When pitching a story, it’s important to know who is in charge. TV stations have what’s called a “Queen Bee.” This is someone in the newsroom who knows everything that’s going on, who everyone runs to, who has all the power. The "Queen Bee" knows all, tells all.

So you really want to be friends with the "Queen Bee.” As you start creating relationships with your local stations, you will find out really quickly who that person is.

They usually have three different titles. They’ll either be called a managing editor, a planning editor, or the assignment editor. Be careful with the title “assignment editor,” because a lot of newsrooms might have a total of 10 assignment editors, and there’s a "Queen Bee" of those assignment editors.

To find out more information on how you can get booked on your local TV station, check out How to Get on Local TV News Tomorrow.

Posted by DK at 01:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Presenting an idea to a producer involves one very important thing: the pitch. Although difficult, landing the pitch is the best step you can take to getting booked, especially on a morning or early show.

Make sure you keep your wording simple, and try to keep it under 30 seconds in length. If you're a celebrity expert, or a famous author, drop your name right away. It gets the producer interested and listening. Also, if your subject is tied to current events, mentioning its relevance to your subject will help. Whatever you do, make sure you are quick and concise, because producers will immediately dislike your pitch if you cannot articulate it.

For all the skinny on how to get onto talk shows, read or listen to How to Get Booked On Morning TV Talk Shows

Posted by DK at 07:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

To a publicist, knowing your media before your pitch it is a no-brainer. As someone trying to get publicity yourself, make sure you take that professionalism to your own level: watch or listen to the show you’re hoping to pitch. Producers of the show will be able to tell whether or not you’re familiar with their show. If you don’t know them well enough to pitch effectively, why would they want you on their air?

So, take the time to watch several full-length shows to get a feel of things. Understanding your target media will allow you to angle your pitch appropriately and get on the shows of your choice.

For other tips on pitching to a morning talk shows, check out How to Get Booked On Morning TV Talk Shows

Posted by DK at 07:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Don't forget to prepare for a pre-interview! Producers use pre-interviews as the deciding factor whether or not to book you or your client.

This interview is usually done over the phone, between you or your client and the producer. It's important that you prep yourself or your client to land the booking. This is the producer's chance to make sure you are articulate and know your material. They don't want someone to bomb on their show, so this is a necessary step in the booking process. Make sure you're prepared!

Know the show, know your subject matter, be awake, pay attention, and be engaging. You can't afford to blow this one off!

For more tips on how to get onto talk shows, pick up a copy of How to Get Booked On Morning TV Talk Shows

Posted by DK at 07:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

How do you know which topics to pitch to a particular TV show? Read the newspaper!

Almost all producers use the USAToday to keep up on the news and current issues in the nation. If you read that same information, you'll know what's on show producer's minds, and what kind of stories they're looking for.

Of course, you shouldn't be obvious and mention your pitch's connection to a specific article. But producers are more willing to consider your pitch if they can tell you've done your media research. Start thinking like a publicist: order the newspaper!

This is just one of the many tips found in How to Be A TV Talk Show Host's Dream Date.

Posted by DK at 10:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So what do you do if you make a pitch to a Morning Show, and they give you the ambivalent "we'll get back to you?"

Although this can be frustrating, there are two things to remember: first, producers really are busy people, and they probably don't have time to make you a priority.

Expect that you'll need to be the one pressing them for an answer, because it shows you're dedicated enough to do your part.

Continue reading "Pitching morning shows - how to handle the brush-off" »

Posted by DK at 11:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Why is drive-time radio so valuable to somebody's publicity campaign and why should you try to get onto it?

There are probably more than a dozen reasons why it's important for you to actively pitch your story to drive-time radio hosts. Probably the most obvious of all is that you can make a lot of money at it. Drive-time radio can work for both big companies and for individuals who have a book to sell, or they're professional speakers, or consultants.

Some people underestimate the power of drive-time radio. They think maybe that when they're called by somebody in a small town somewhere who wants to do an interview with them about whatever their subject of expertise is that there will be only a couple of hundred of listeners. Well, I would still submit to you that even just a couple of hundred people, if you get in front of them at one time, that's not a bad deal. But if you get into some of the bigger cities, you can get in front of literally thousands and even hundreds of thousands of people at one time.

Consider the example of Bart Baggett, who's a handwriting expert. He's been on more than a thousand radio shows during his career. He was on with Howard Stern one morning. Well, first of all, that takes some guts to even get on Howard Stern's show. But Bart had plenty of experience. He handled it very well, and in one morning, he sold $25,000 worth of products and services, just from being on The Howard Stern Show. That's a home run. There's no question that you don't get those every day,

Continue reading "You need to get on drive-time radio!" »

Posted by DK at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)