Many people have strong opinions about things nowadays, whether it’s about current events or discussing a specific issue like politics. In the past many aspiring radio deejays were literally locked out of the radio entertainment business because they did not have a Mass Communications Degree, was unable to get an entry level position within the industry unless they had a degree, or had some experience as an Broadcasting Intern. Well, enter the internet age, and now you have the ability to use simple items to create your own specific show. Using a microphone, clear phone line, and your computer, you can set up your own internet radio talk show, and invite others to have healthy discussions about many subjects.
What is Blog Talk Radio?
Blog Talk Radio is a vehicle that listeners and hosts can use to listen to a particular show, or to set up and host their own. Individuals do not need much to set up their account, simply, an email address, and within a few minutes after registering you too can be a host of an internet radio show. Easy access to a computer, Windows Media, and the ability to promote your show by sending a pre-designed link to the webpage, along with a free telephone listener line, a virtual deejay can build up their show. The host of the show can promote the show with HTML buttons that are easily available on the site for the host, as well, as creating demand by using their own email database to promote the show. Sending out the listener telephone number where callers can be apart of the show. Using your own created banners to promote the show and placing on a website or webpage can bring attention to the show as well. There is no software to download to use for the hosting of the show.
5 Steps to Hosting a Successful Show:
One, create a show intro and play it at the beginning of the show. Using a recorder or Audacity, create a specific jingle or show theme and play at the beginning of each show.
Two, when scheduling guests, make sure to get a great description and place in the ‘segment’ section of the Blog Talk Radio page for the date of the show’s date. Ask participants to provide any weblinks and enter their links under the “Profile” section of the host page.
Three, make sure to create demand by sending emails to the participants, and interested listeners. Send many emails to remind people – this can be done from the page or you can create your own promotion to be used. Ask participants to send this same “promo” email to their family and friends so you can have more than one person listening. Make sure you give the right number to the participant. They will be calling into the LISTENER number associated with your show’s page.
Four, make sure you send a reminder email to everyone a few hours, and the day of the event.
Five, make sure to be online at the right time and be cordial to every caller. Have fun with the show, and during the show, ask callers to call into the show.
Other tips:
Between open air or space where there is either no talking or you have a lull in the show, talk or play music. If playing music, make sure you have access to music that is not a copyright infringement. In other words, you need to play music you have the right to play, or create your own. Discuss upcoming shows, use the lull time to talk more or play some music. Try to balance out the show with some creativity.
When inviting guests, prepare a script, and email them suggested questions before the show. They can be as simple or complex as you want. Practice reading a lot and practice how you are going to handle callers. Remember you will be using your mouse to ‘click’ the microphone icon on the Host’s Switchboard during the live show. You can deselect the button when ending any callers as well.
Remember to tell all participants and listeners, the calls are FREE. It doesn’t cost to set up the show or to participate.
Great benefits to consider:
You can use the archived section to tell people to listen to previous shows. They can either download the podcast, or listen to streaming audio. You can also write any show notes on the page (kind of like a blog). You don’t have to wait to get on a radio show, go to the site and listen to other shows and then decide if you are ready to host your own.
Have fun with your Blog Talk Radio. It’s waiting for you to broadcast today so log on to www.blogtalkradio.com for more details.
