News and Information

Meeting the Talk Show Challenge

AKA: 'How to defend education spending on talk radio!'

Nearly half of all voting citizens of the United States receive most of their political information from talk radio. That means it is critical to get accurate and truthful information about public education out to the citizenry through the talk radio format.

Presented well, talk show information and letters to the editor can also be used to motiviate the general public to call and write their elected representatives.

Following are some tips for how you and your colleagues can reach talk radio and newspaper editorial pages and be effective.

Talking on the Talk Shows

Listen to the popular talk shows aired in your community or area. Study the styles of the hosts. Do they cut you off in midsentence? Or do they allow you to complete your thought? Prepare yourself accordingly.
If the local show uses guests, can you or a colleague speak articulately on a subject or issue that fits the show's format? If so, drop the producer a note suggesting that he/she address the issue on a future show. Suggest persons (yourself included) who can present the perspective you want to get across. Sometimes it helps to offer the name(s) of individuals who have an opposing view.
If you participate on a show, go prepared. Take statistics and information - including sources - that support your argument or contention. Write down the points you want to make, and refer to your notes to see that you've covered them all.
Stick to your subject. Keep coming back to the issue or issues you want to talk about. Don't let the host or a caller lead you away from it. Practice short statements and answers. Be cool. Be friendly. Be likable.
Let friends and colleagues know when you'll be on, give the phone number to call, and suggest questions to them.

Talking to the Talk Shows

Know your host and know your subject. Have talking points, statistics, and supporting facts handy for quick reference.
Keep the talk show call-in number by your phone. Call during commercial break. This may help you gain access to the call screener. Be prepared to give your first name, location and topic you want to discuss. State it in as few words as possible. Make it sound relevant to what's being discussed by the host and other callers.
As you're put on the air, remember to turn the volume down on your radio (and avoid hearing yourself talk through the delayed broadcast of your words).
Clearly state your position and the reasoning behind it, whether it's in support of or in disagreement with the previous speaker. Cite surveys, accepted authorities, etc., that back up your contentions.
Listen carefully to what the host or opposing speaker says so your rebuttal is focused. Sometimes a question is a good rebuttal if the speaker's logic is flawed. Try not to sound too defensive.
Avoid professional jargon and acronyms. Identify yourself, as appropriate, as an education employee with 'x' number of years in the classroom, a parent, a neighbor - whatever will establish you as an authority, an individual who speaks from experience and a person whose views are worth hearing.
Look for something to agree with. Behave in a way that will be surprising to your critics. Charm and disarm them.

Writing to the Editor

Your letter does not have to be long. Choose one of the points from the other side and expand on it.
Write as an individual - a parent, a taxpayer, a school employee - not as an Association official.
Keep the tone confident; avoid being defensive.
Make your first paragraph a grabber. State your point first and then provide further information.
Keep your sentences short and crisp. Keep your paragraphs short. Eliminate educational jargon. Write as if you're talking to your neighbor about the issue.

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