Five Things You Have to Do to Absolutely Flop

On a Radio Talk Show, TV or in Social Media

This was originally written for a talk radio guideline, but it applies to virtually any presentation on TV, radio or even in a social media communications environment

Here are five tips that will help you capitalize on the valuable airtime at your disposal when you appear as a guest on a TV or radio show.

1. To absolutely flop, DON'T share valuable information.

To absolutely not flop, do share valuable information. To build your credibility and keep the attention of the audience, make sure to concisely present information that is of value to them. Fully develop quality sound bites before the interview, making sure to omit any unnecessary information or "segment clutter." Remember that the audience can only digest so much during a 5 minute segment, so don't overload them with useless information. If you provide quality, the audience will surely "stay tuned."

2. To absolutely flop, DON'T remember important names.

To absolutely not flop, do remember important names. This is a fundamental rule. Make sure you know and remember the name of the producer that you booked the interview with and the host that will be interviewing you. It's good manners and shows respect for them and their position. If you forget the host's name when you are on-air, you will not only look foolish, but the chances of you being asked back may be greatly reduced.

3. To absolutely flop, sound like an infomercial.

To absolutely not flop, DON'T sound like an infomercial. Your goal as a guest is to communicate the message of your book in an engaging fashion while tactfully mentioning your book's title or company name as well. Mention this often enough so that it is impressed on the minds of the audience, but not in a way that will sound like an infomercial. Be sure to plug in a natural and tactful way.

4. To absolutely flop, DON'T do your homework ... don't use the web.

To absolutely not flop, do your homework. Use the web. With a few exceptions, most television stations have a website full of valuable information about their anchors and shows. Do a web search using the show's name, the station call letters and/or city as your keywords and you will find the official site. If the show is strictly a morning news format, you will be able to learn more about the hosts in addition to being able to watch some previous interviews. Afternoon formats generally have host information as well as segment videos in order for you to get a feel for the format of the show. This research will help you prepare for a good interview.

5. To absolutely flop, DON'T develop and DON'T use visuals.

To absolutely not flop, do I even need to say this? Be creative. Develop and use visuals. Before you start pitching, think about what sort of tips, statistics, graphs, on-air demonstrations, or pictures that will really bring your message to life visually. Remember that TV is an interactive medium, and producers rely on visual elements during guest segments. To grab the attention of the overworked and over-saturated producer, design and present your own. This is a great way to land an appearance, and once you are on-air, it is a great way to engage the audience in your message.

About the Author:

Marsha Friedman is a contributing expert for Cincom Expert Access, a prominent businesswoman, a 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. and 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.

Contact Information:

Tel: 727-443-7115, Extension 201
Visit www.emsincorporated.com for more information.