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Guests present a quandary to interview show hosts. In most cases the guest is under the impression that the guest needs the host more than the host needs the guest and in the case of any individual guest this is usually the case. On the other hand having the guest to interview is what the show is really all about, so in that sense the guest is more important than the host. So the host is in the position of needing the guest to live up to certain standards or the show can be ruined. Guests must show up, know their material, be presentable and able to convey their information in an acceptable way, stay within the guidelines of show standards, avoid over promoting their own agenda or product and so on. Even with prescreening guests the host is taking a huge risk when putting the guest on and the chances of things going wrong with the guest are huge.
You cannot trust that the guest will take their appearance on your show as something that is serious business. You will be shocked to learn that a number of guests treat their appearance as no big deal. You must do everything in your power to make the guest understand how important they are to the show, their role in the show, and so on. I suggest you take the time to work with the guest well in advance of the show to cover what is expected of them and covey the importance they have to show.
Here are some sample points that should be sent and discussed with the guest well in advance of the show.
. You are expected to be (exact location) on (date) at (time). If you expect any problems with this notify (name and contact information) at once.
. You will be required to be at this location from (arrival time) to approximately (departure time), you will not be able to leave the area during that time.
. We expect you to wear the following attire and it is not furnished by us.
. We expect you to bring any material you will need to use in the interview such as books, charts, tapes, etc.
. It is vital that you are prepared to discuss (subject of interview) in detail during the interview.
. We require you to refrain from promoting you agenda or material unless specifically asked for such information during show.
. We require you to be “politically correct” in your on air discussion and refrain from swearing, being rude or irritating to the audience in any way.
Some guests respond to the” carrot” in that learning what they will gain from their appearance will make them better guests. Other guests respond to the “stick” in that things such as damage to their reputation, etc, in the event of a no show or bad appearance, will bring them around. Whatever route you take, it must be done in order to have the caliber of show you want.