7 Tips To Become A Star Tv Guest

Title:7 Tips To Become A Star Tv GuestWord Count:1387Summary:How one expert made a splash on CNN'S Paula ZahnNow, and how you can, tooCosmetic surgeon, Dr. Robert Kotler's New Yorkbased publicist, made contact with the Paula ZahnNow program on CNN to schedule an appearance.Here's what happened next.

1. Map out the segment with the producer*I was referred to one of the *bookers* who dida quick screening and then put me in contact withan associate producer. Over several phoneconversations, we worked out the subject m...Keywords:media, media coaching, talk show guest, publicity,PRArticle Body:How one expert made a splash on CNN'S Paula ZahnNow, and how you can, tooCosmetic surgeon, Dr. Robert Kotler's New Yorkbased publicist, made contact with the Paula ZahnNow program on CNN to schedule an appearance.Here's what happened next.

1. Map out the segment with the producer*I was referred to one of the *bookers* who dida quick screening and then put me in contact withan associate producer. Over several phoneconversations, we worked out the subject matterof the 3-4 minute interview.*NOTE: Once you've passed the *audition* with abooker you're passed to an associate (or otherless senior) producer. Often after that first\"audition\" you must be screened by producers athigher and higher levels. If you're chosen thenyou begin to create a segment together.2. Help the producer shape the segment*The *backbone* of the spot was my recentlypublished book, SECRETS OF A BEVERLY HILLSCOSMETIC SURGEON, The Expert's Guide to Safe,Successful Surgery. The associate producer and I

had discussed what I consider to be thenon-frivolous and important consumer issues ofthe book, such as how to select a properly trainedsurgeon and how to be certain that the facilityin which the surgery is to be performed isproperly credentialed and hence safe. And eventhe issue of having an anesthesia specialist inthe patient's service to assure comfort andsafety. Those are the key gems for theconsumer-reader-viewer.*NOTE: Robert choose important issues of concernto Zahn's audience angling his ideas to suit hershow. It's up to you to suggest ideas that wouldmake a great segment. Listen to the producer'sideas and don't be shy about gently suggestingalternatives. A pro-active guest who knows hismaterial is prized. Be sensitive though to howattached the producer is to his idea and suggestyours accordingly.3. Expect the Unexpected

*On the air, the focus of the segment was somewhatdifferent than I had been lead to expect. PaulaZahn, who is as smart, charming, and attractiveoff camera as on, was a hospitable and engaginginterviewer. However, as comfortable as I wasmade to be, the questioning by Paula got stuck on*which celebrities have had what done.* And, theyput up photos of some selected celebs and askedme to comment on them--including ones I had notseen prior.*NOTE: Always be prepared for the unexpected. Thisis a frequent tactic of TV shows. If they had toldRobert ahead of time what they were planning hemay not have agreed to be their expert. Insteadthey lead him to believe that they would focus onwhat he considered important issues. To be fairto the show they may have planned to cover whatwas discussed, but changed their mind at the lastminute. Or they may not have had time or didn'tfeel it was necessary to inform their guest of

show changes.Also, talk show hosts are expert at making youfeel comfortable. It's their job to help you bea good guest (relaxed and credible)--as ones whoare nervous don't come across well. A typicaltactic is to put you at ease and then ask anunexpected question to get a candidresponse--which often makes for good television.Be ready. You can be candid and still speak to YOURtalking points.4. Prepare your answers and bridge to them*While I have had professional coaching on*guesting,* and understood how to redirect thequestions, I decided to just *go along* with thetrail of questions Paula posed. I could see thatthis was going to be a *light interview,* not hardnews. Not that it was distasteful or unpleasant,but, frankly, it seemed redundant and wasteful ofaudience time. I felt the public deserves more

significant information than yet another reviewof Joan Rivers' ultra--raised eyebrows or MichaelJackson's nose remnant.While I did not expect a formal *book review* Ifelt the viewers would have appreciated knowinghow to avoid the bad surgical results thateveryone is so familiar with.As I would have told the viewers, *If presumablysmart and wealthy people can have such badcosmetic surgery, how does the *average citizen*avoid it?* In the end, it was not a particularlyinformative session--a bit fluffy--and I saw thatas an opportunity lost. But, hey, while it saysCable NEWS (italics mine) Network on the door, itis still first and foremost entertainment. Showbiz. So, always be cognizant of that, I justrolled with it and enjoyed myself.*NOTE: The show wanted the sexy celebrity angle,but Robert could have bridged to the information

he thought was important with a phrase such as*Mistakes can happen to anyone, includingcelebrities like Michael Jackson. To preventthese mishaps for yourself you can*...and then hecould have delivered the key points he wanted tocover such as the importance of a goodanesthesiologist.5. Follow the host's lead *and* make your points*Yes, I could have diverted the conversation andtried to say what I thought needed to be said, butone has to weigh the benefit of taking that pathand possibly being disfavored by the program andhence not be welcomed back or just going with theflow knowing that just *being there* and havingthe cover of the book flashed on screen is quitesatisfactory for my purposes of promoting thebook.*NOTE: You can satisfy the host and yourself bybalancing the information with what the host

wants and what you want. If you transitiongracefully by taking a few seconds to comment ontheir question and then a few seconds to focus onyour point everyone will be satisfied.6. Let the host and show promote your product*Another unanticipated plus of appearing on theprogram was that during the entire day, theinterview segment was promoted heavily and therepetition of my name throughout the day was abonus that cannot be disregarded. I saw eachhourly announcement as a *free advertisement.* Iwas happy.Bottom line: Breathing or not breathing, dead oralive, being a guest on a nationally televisedinterview -- regardless of the quality of theinterview--is worthwhile to any author or publicfigure. And, it is fun and a memorable experiencefor those of us from outside the media world. Theproducers liked the segment and, after all, it is

their show.*NOTE: Often times guests are overly promotionalin an effort to make the most of their on-air time.You won't be invited back if you plug yourself oryour product obviously. Find out ahead of time howyour product will be positioned on the show. Letthe host do the promoting. Your job is to givegreat information about the product, service orcause that incites your audience to take action.BEFORE the show, and at the time your booking isconfirmed, ask that your website, 800# etc. bedisplayed on the screen (this is called a chyron).Realize though, that some shows have policies notto do this. Ask also how your product will bepositioned on the show. Always bring your productwith you in the event they've lost the one you sent.This will insure that your product will get thepublicity that you want. Better yet, if you cancreate interactive scenes that involve yourproduct that are entertaining and witty you will

be a hero.7. Enjoy the recognition and propose a new segment*Finally, and probably most importantly, my 87year old parents thought I *looked very good onTV.* They liked my suit and tie selection. So,everyone was happy!*NOTE: Make your parents proud. The kind ofexposure you receive on national shows isinvaluable for credibility -- with your parents,competition, clients, and other national shows.And you can increase your recognition by callingup other talk shows and suggesting a differentangle of the topic you just covered. Also, whileyou're in studio propose another segment with atotally new angle. The time to pitch a segment isright then when everyone is happy with yourappearance. Try and get a committed date on thespot.