46 ValerieGeller This skill can be learned. The people you admire on the air have mas- tered some basic techniques that carry them through the most difficult situ- ations. Their experiences--successes as well as failures--are what make them so adept now. You cannot avoid some of the unpredictable aspects of this business, but you can learn reliable techniques to improve your show. You can escape certain traps by practicing a few elementary performance points, and there are things you can do to "self-correct" should the show begin to take a turn for the worse. Performance Points 1. Pick Topics about Which You Really Care A great talent or personality can make selecting a sofa interesting. Boring people, on the other hand, could ruin a conversation about the discovery of human life on Pluto. If you are interested, you will make it interesting. 2. Use a Strong Show Opening or Monologue Be sure to do the following: n FOCUS the topic. ENGAGE the audience by forming a question. State your OPINION or POSITION on a talkable topic. Explain your view through example, experience, or STORYTELLING. n n n Do not read entire prepared speeches. If you must read on air, do not sound like you are reading. 3. Never Be Boring! Get rid of dull guests immediately. Remember, if you are bored, it is boring. If a guest starts out great, or was selected as an expert, but in fact turns out to be stiff, too nervous to think clearly, or is in any other way non-communicative or inept as a storyteller, get rid of that guest. How often have you checked your watch when a guest is talking, or have taken a mini-vacation in your head? If this is happening, try a