Before you go on the air:
(1) Create a one-sentence summary of your position. If you can't do this, chances are that you aren't clear about what your position is.
(2) Prepare a list of the three main points you want to make. Be prepared to make these points several times, in slightly different ways.
(3) Be ready to set the stage by giving a 30-second description of the problem/issue. Usually, this resembles the first paragraph of any standard news story. Don't assume that the host/audience knows anything about the issue.
(4) Be able to explain why this issue is important to the average American, in terms that they can understand.
(5) Study your opponents' arguments. Anticipate their criticisms. You can do this by preparing a list of obvious questions, then "role playing" with a friend to practice your answers. Most tough questions can be anticipated. Note: When coming up with "tough" questions, DON'T think like a Libertarian! Think like a Republican or Democrat.
6) Be prepared for seemingly easy open-ended questions -- which can be more difficult than you expect. Examples of common open-ended questions: "Tell us why this is an important issue." "Why are Libertarians concerned about this issue?" "Tell us a little about the Libertarian Party."
When you're on the air, be sure to:
(1) Speak in short sentences, and avoid jargon. Be lively and animated. Don't speak in a monotone. Remember: Radio and TV are primarily entertainment. If you are not (to some degree) interesting and entertaining, you will not be invited back.
(2) Show your personality. Humor and the use of real-life examples will make you more likable, and consequently, more credible.
(3) Back up your opinions with facts.
(4) If you use statistics, put them in context, ideally by using a colorful metaphor. Example: "Many people say that too much money is spent on political campaigns. Interestingly, Americans spent three times as much money in 1994 on potato chips as they did on political campaigns."
(5) Be ready to supply a Libertarian solution. Remember, criticism of an opponent's position is only a vehicle through which we can present our ideas.
While on the air, don't . . .
(1) Say "um." One way to avoid it is to pause for a second before answering a question in order to gather your thoughts.
(2) Engage in an argument with the host or callers. Calmly and politely explain your position and attempt to answer any objections, but if a caller becomes combative, you might just say, "I can see that we're going to have to agree to disagree on this issue. Let's move on . . "
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