Most Common Question: Will the TV talk show pay me for my guest appearance?
Answer: National Talk Shows will usually pay for your airline tickets, hotel accomodations, ground transportation and will give you a per diem of $40-$50 for meals. If your appearance will require you to take time off from work, some shows will compensate you for lost wages provided you can produce some documentation.
Question: Are you publicists?
Answer: No, we're primarily researchers acting as a conduit between people who want to share their stories with a large audience and those media people in the industry who are looking to find those people. Our service is more reactive then proactive. Publicists often charge from $500 to $1,000+ per month or more. They aggressively (proactively) promote their clients for appearances on various shows but, in most cases, they are promoting professional people who have something to promote such as a book or product, etc.
Question: Are you talent agents?
Answer: No but if you have a special talent, particularly an "offbeat" or amazing talent then there are shows who are looking for you. The more offbeat, bizarre and incredible your talent, the better your chances of ending up on such a show.
Question: How do the talk shows know about you?
Answer: The Research Department has been working with television production companies since 1986. Even before creating NTSGR we had been featured in a Los Angeles Times story (1992) and for years had maintained listings in special production company directories. When we introduced The National Talk Show Guest Registry in 1993, it created a media sensation that stretched from Hollywood to Holland. We made numerous appearances on talk shows to talk about talk show guests and the popularity of talk shows in general. Insider word-of-mouth is the foundation of our business but many people find us through our web site as well.
"Seven Great Tips for New Talkers!"
1) Before accepting an offer to appear on a talk show, be sure you are completely comfortable with the topic you have been invited on to discuss.
2) Don't be shy about asking the segment producer who some of the other guests on the panel may be as well as what the show is hoping you will be able to contribute to the discussion.
3) Never, NEVER, change or embellish your story just for the sake of "being on TV."
4) Relax before the show. Dress comfortably. Avoid plaids and "reflective-wear." Don't dress in something that's going to make you so self-conscious that you won't be able to carry out Tip #5...
5) Listen carefully to the show's host or hostess and to any other participants. Make eye contact. Keep your answers focused. Some shows may ask you to "just keep talking" until interrupted by the host or another guest on the panel. Always avoid curt "Yes" and "No" answers.
6) It's great to be outgoing and animated since producers like enthusiastic guests but don't "re-invent" your feelings if it means changing your story and never physically lash out anyone.
7) Always be as honest as you feel comfortable with being during the interview but never forget that you're speaking in front of 2 million or more people. Never say anything you wouldn't want to have repeated on your local 6 o'clock evening news!