Here are some quick tips that will help improve your talk shows.

• The show’s topic and phone number (basics) should be mentioned as many times as possible.  however, it is very important that you mention the basics before and after every commercial break.  For example, “Today we are talking about the best time to buy stocks.  Call right now 888-641-3931 that’s 888-641-3931.”

• Prior to going on the air go over the basics with your staff/producer,  and during the program send reminder prompts to keep the host on track. If you want to promote a seminar or upcoming event, agree on the number of times to mention the event during the show.

• Radio is a direct response media! Therefore, you should avoid using the following phrases, “leave a message” or “go to my website”.  These are not effective ways of getting responses from radio content. Provide a telephone number where they can call a live person to take their information and answer questions.

• The call screener should take the caller’s name, topic, e-mail and contact information.  This will cut down on  prank callers and will build a database for future reference, testimonials and marketing purposes.

• To stimulate calls, start a recorded call bank!  In the years I’ve been producing talk shows, I have found that there is such a thing as “radio peer pressure.”  If you start the show and you don’t have calls ready to go on hold, you can use your call bank!  Pull a call that covers what you want to talk about and break the call down on the air.

 — Christian “Mckay” Ririe

Want more on this topic, send me a note Chris@mckayradio.com or call me at 888-641-3931, and I will email you out our free report.   Print this page to start a library of tips and topics you find of interest