As a speaker or company leader you will, at some time, be asked to appear on the radio. It may be the taping of a panel discussion. It may be a one-on-one interview about a topic for which you have expertise. It may be to answer some questions that have been asked about your business and/or one of your products. For whatever reason you are going to be heard over the air, you will want to sound polished, professional and knowledgeable. In this article, I discuss some of the ways to make it happen.

Remember that the radio audience can't see you, so your voice, pacing, and words are all important. When we are presenting to an audience or leading a meeting, we have the benefit of our physiology " ? our breathing, eye contact, physical appearance, and movement. Recently, I listened to the taping of a panel discussion that had been presented by several of the leaders of IT (Information Technology) in our region. It was disappointing. The speakers, even though all are intelligent men, spoke so quickly and without any tonal variety, they were difficult to follow. It took all of my energy to stay focused on what they were saying.

Be prepared. The more prepared you are for any presentation, the more smoothly it will progress and the more professional you will appear. If you are going to be interviewed about a topic or happening, type out a list of questions that you feel your interviewer will ask, or you would like him or her to ask. When I have appeared on the radio, I have handed the person interviewing me a sheet of questions I would like to be asked, for which they are usually quite thankful. Then, there are few or no surprises for either of you. Of course, you are prepared with answers to those questions.

What if I am asked difficult or uncomfortable questions? It is necessary to be honest with our answers, but if someone asks a question that is damaging or confrontational, you don't have to be so honest that your answer harms you and/or your business. If some of the questions are political and/or confrontational, avoid saying anything harmful to others or yourself.

If at all possible, try to inject some humor and lightness. Even if your topic is serious, make an effort to lighten up. This will help give you a "human"? quality. A program is made palatable and more interesting to listeners by the addition of some light banter and laughter.

Avoid rambling. In an unfamiliar situation it is easy to be nervous and when we are nervous, we have a tendency to ramble. Remember to stick to the point, say what you have to say as succinctly as possible, and stop talking. Make sure, however, that you do get a chance to say the words that you feel are relative to the interview and/or presentation.

Know what your most important points are and be sure that you state them. I suggest having those answers that you feel are the most important written down on a 3 X 5 card, and even if you are not directly asked the questions you want to be asked, work those points into the conversation. Otherwise, the interview may be over without your achieving your reason for being on the radio in the first place.

Even though this can be serious business, it can also be fun and offer a big boost to you, your business, and your career. Enjoy it!