Producers make snap judgments about you in thirty seconds or less. When you receive that coveted call, you're not merely conversing; you're auditioning. You're being evaluated for potential inclusion or rejection as a guest on their show. How can you ace this audition?

Secret #1: Inquire Before You Present

Before launching into your pitch to the producer, take a moment to ask a simple question: "Could you share your vision for the show?" In other words, find out the angle the producer intends to pursue.

This approach offers two advantages. First, it grants you a moment to regain your composure and gather your thoughts. Second, it allows you to tailor your pitch to match the information the producer seeks. Publicists often employ this technique to secure appearances for their clients, as they gather insights before providing relevant information about their client.

Secret #2: Impress Producers with Conciseness

Follow the advice of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie: "It's not about how much you play, but how much you leave out." Have your talking points ready when you call or receive a call from a producer, ensuring your presentation is concise and well-rehearsed. Be prepared with multiple angles or pitches, different ways to frame your information.

As publicist Leslie Rossman notes, "Nobody gets on these shows without a pre-interview." Be a captivating interviewee without overly focusing on selling your product. If you're a fantastic guest who creates compelling television, they'll want you.

Keep in mind the wisdom of Robert Frost: "Half the world consists of people who have something to say and can't, and the other half who have nothing to say and keep on saying it."

Secret #3: Demonstrate Your Sanity

If you come across as unhinged on air, the producer's job is on the line. What constitutes being unhinged? While enthusiasm is a positive trait, excessive zeal about your passion can label you as eccentric. Acclaimed author and screenwriter Richard Price refers to this phenomenon as "The dangerous thrill of goodness." Beware of becoming carried away by this exhilaration.

One sign of excessive zeal is delivering your point at breakneck speed, akin to a locomotive incessantly pulling its horn. For instance, I recall a man who felt Starbucks had wronged him and was single-handedly taking them on. While this could have been an intriguing underdog story, he was heavy on emotion but light on facts. Some statistics or data would have balanced his fervor.

Moreover, he failed to check if he had my interest. Speaking loudly and without pause gave the impression that he might not take direction well. His unwavering focus was off-putting rather than engaging.

When conversing with a producer, speak for about 30 seconds and then gauge their interest by asking, "Is this the type of information you're seeking?" Pay attention to verbal cues, such as encouraging nods or "uh huhs."

Secret #4: Highlight "The Big Point"

Contributors to the popular radio show "This American Life," hosted by Ira Glass, affectionately call the concluding epiphany in a story "The Big Point." This is the moment when the narrator offers their perspective to elevate the story from the mundane to the universal.

Another master of this technique is radio personality Garrison Keillor. He skillfully weaves long, meandering stories together and then ties all the narrative threads neatly, providing a coherent and satisfying conclusion. As a remarkable guest, your goal is to illuminate your story with a significant, standout point that helps the audience recognize its relevance in their world and the larger world.

Rather than delivering your insights with force, aim for a delicate touch. By framing your story this way, you signal to the producer that you're a thinker capable of providing profound insights and clarity, thereby enhancing the story's appeal.