How to be a guest on a radio program

Radio hosts need content, and they often turn to the public for help via phone calls. But sometimes a host needs a special comment or two from someone in the know. That could be you, if you're talents overlap with the host's program du jour. So how do you make your radio debut without sounding like an amateur?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Do some research. If you're going to talk about student loans, and
   you're a loan officer, then read up on the latest student loan news on
   www.google.com and check out newsletters in your field.
2. Have a plan: Write down some notes prior to the show. What points
   do you want to make, and what items will support your arguments? Jot
   them down and keep them handy when the host patches you through.
3. Be pithy. Your thoughts may deserve a long, complicated discussion,
   but the radio format makes that kind of dialogue all but impossible.
   Get to the point and be prepared to back it up.
4. Listen up. First timers may be biding their time to get a certain
   thought out, but a radio conversation must be a two-way street. Listen
   to what the host is saying and respond to his or her cues. A good
   radio host will be able to direct the segment and make you and she
   sound better than you might imagine.
5. Feel free to disagree. Don't force an argument where one doesn't
   exist, but don't be afraid of disagreeing with the host. Those
   discussions can be good radio, and they might convince the host to
   invite you back on for a future installment.