This could help. (TV & podcast tips)

In June, I appeared on a local TV news show for the first time. The host joined us in the greenroom during a commercial break to give us our mics. She said the segment would last five minutes, yet the producer might choose to add a few minutes.

More time was possible? I perceived this as a fun challenge.

When she said the producer might add time, I heard: If you’re boring, the segment will be kept short. I didn't know if I was right or wrong about that. Yet could we get two more more minutes from the unseen, mysterious producer? I took her comment as a reminder to be interesting. But how could we be interesting in such a short amount of time?

The four of us (three guests and the host) had less than five minutes total to speak. I’d have to condense my points into as few words as possible--just like these zesty letters I write to you!--and count on other guests to do the same.

When the cameras rolled, I was grateful for knowledge gained by writing for publications, appearing on podcasts, and speaking at events. For all of them, I had to take into account another person's audience and the producer who understands that audience best.

The way I see my role in these situations is that I’m a guest in the host's space. They want to create an excellent show (and win an Emmy), and I want a wider audience to hear about my project. With that in mind...

How can we, as visitors in the host's space, help them create an excellent show?

I'm sharing a few ideas that can help you the next time you appear on TV, radio, a podcast, or as a guest teacher in someone's course.

1. View the situation from the audience’s perspective. What do they need to hear from you? How can your knowledge help them?
2. Clarify your unique message, so you stand out. Bonus points for using memorable combinations of words to talk about your work!
3. Prepare key points. My advice is to stick to three main points because an audience can't remember much more than that. By the way, with practice, you’ll be able to work these points into the conversation even if you have no idea of the questions in advance.

And, yes, our segment received the extra two minutes. Many thanks to the Midmountain arts residency team for the opportunity to represent the organization and my own work on TV.

Cheers,

Deb Ager

PS: Looking to secure more podcast appearances? The Podcast Readiness Check reveals how to secure more appearances and what to do before, during, and after, so you can grow your audience and have more impact.

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