Become A Talk Radio Star: 10 More 
Tips To Successfully Promote Yourself 

By Marsha Friedman

For nearly two decades, we’ve been telling you about the value of talk radio as a means for promoting your book to the masses.  Because we want you to succeed with talk radio, here are ten more “inside” tips to help you become the kind of guest every host wants to have on his or her show:

1.      Be confident.  Present yourself and your message with confidence.  Know your topic inside and out.  Be confident that your message is something that the audience wants to hear about.  By projecting an air of confidence, the audience will perceive you as more credible. 

2.      Don’t try too hard.  Don’t try to force it.  Just relax, let go, and let your message flow.  Don’t try to work too much information into too short of a time.  If you come across as trying to hard or sounding too rushed, you risk losing the attention of the listening audience.               

3.      Compliment the host.  Radio hosts typically have fairly healthy egos.  Massage those egos whenever you can and you may reap the benefits on the air.  Compliment them on their show or their line of questioning when appropriate.  This may result on a hearty plug from the host at the conclusion of your interview.

4.      Remember names.  When taking calls from listeners, always write down the first name of the caller and use it when possible and appropriate.  This helps the listening audience to relate to you better.  You may want to also write down the host’s name beforehand, just in case.  Forgetting the name of the person interviewing you on the air is a big “no-no.”

5.      Be prepared for confrontation.  You may be ambushed on the air by a combative radio show host.  While this is very rare, you should be prepared to deal with negative comments from hosts and possibly even callers.  Do not get into a screaming match with the host because you will never win.  He always has the last say.  Be firm, but polite. 

6.      Don’t sound like an infomercial.  Don’t repeat the title of your book, your website, or your 800-number over and over.  Give yourself a plug when a natural opportunity arises or when prompted by a host.  The listening audience gets turned off when they perceive a guest as being overly pushy or “salesy.” 

7.      Learn what you can about the show beforehand.  Whenever possible, make sure to check out a station or show’s website before an interview.  By familiarizing yourself with the host, there won’t be any surprises and you will be more relaxed and collected on the air. 

8.      Be punctual.  Whatever you do, don’t be late when you are calling in.  Some hosts will cancel your interview if you don’t call at the designated time.  If anything, try and call a few minutes early.  If the station is scheduled to call you, stay by the phone and keep your line clear.  

9.      Be sensitive about political views.  If you are discussing a controversial political issue, always try to acknowledge that the other side has some good points.  Remember that radio audiences are diverse.  By “giving and taking,” you will win credibility points with your audience.  Obviously this tactic won’t work on shows like Rush Limbaugh or Al Franken where the hosts have very distinctive viewpoints.

10.  Don’t try to hide anything.  If you have made some mistakes, admit to them.  They may come out at some point in your interview and you are better off coming clean from the get-go.  We all make mistakes and listeners will relate better to someone they see as honest. 

Remember, your intention for every interview is to enlighten the listening audience about your book and interest them in purchasing it.

Marsha Friedman is a prominent business woman, radio personality, speaker, and publicity expert.  Marsha is the CEO of EMSI (Event Management Services, Inc) which she launched in 1990.  Since then she has firmly established the company as a major public relations player for a diverse group of clients ranging from Jimmy Hoffa Jr. to National Security Advisor Robert McFarlane to the famous Motown Group, the Temptations.  EMSI represents corporations with consumer-related products and authors and experts in a wide range of fields such as, politics, finance, law, music, food, fitness, and healthcare.  Visit www.emsincorporated.com for more information.