Tim Wildmon from American Family Radio interviewed me today. I have to admit I have been rather intimidated by live radio. This is my second live radio interview. It’s getting less scary each time. It’s somewhat difficult to cram my journey into 10 minutes, but hopefully listeners got the gist of the story.
At least on radio they can’t see me make these faces! I told my son to take some pictures of me speaking at the conference in Dallas. In every one of them I have a very strange expression on my face. He said he couldn’t help it that I look weird when I talk. This will be an issue Jan. 24 when I have agreed to appear on a television talk show in Memphis. What was I thinking?
Basically my feeling is, I’ll do anything to get the message out to a wider audience. Writing a book is just a piece of the puzzle. Getting in the hands of those who need to hear it is really a God-sized job. I feel He has told me to not worry about promotion. He’s handling that end. My job is just to walk through the open doors.
Here are a few things I tell myself about talking on radio.
1. Get dressed in nice clothes and put on makeup. It makes me feel like I am worthy of being interviewed.
2. Smile. Talking comes easier and the smile is heard in my voice.
3. Don’t be intimidated by radio personalities. It’s their show, but they want it to go well, too.
4. Speaking is not like writing. I can’t edit out all the ums and likes and wells and reallys and ands. Too much silence is not golden, but it gives the interviewer time to ask another question.
5. I am being interviewed because I have a story to tell. So, tell it.
6. Be transparent and honest. Don’t hold back.
7. Be honored and grateful for every chance to be interviewed or to speak because it means the message is being shared to an ever-widening audience.
8. It’s not about how many books are sold, but every book sold represents a life touched and hopefully changed. This greatly encourages and fuels me to reach outside of my comfort zone.
9. Know every opportunity is to glorify God by sharing how He changed this caterpillar into a butterfly. I am so grateful for His sweet grace!
I’m destined to get plenty of practice. On Thursday afternoon, I am honored to be invited back on a Christian radio talk show in Albany, New York. Alison Stevens is a delightful hostess. I’m happy to share her drive-time show once again.
It’s not set up yet, but I will have another interview on a different American Family Radio program called Love, Life and Family. It will probably be in mid-February.
Extra prayers are requested for my first television talk show on Jan. 24 in Memphis, Tenn. It’s a news talk show, Live at 9 on Channel 3, with Mary Beth Conley. Then I’ll join her from 12 pm-1 pm on Talk Radio KWAM 990. I’ve no clue what to expect from all of this.
Hey, I’m just a girl from mid-Missouri. What they see is what they’ll get. Pray that I don’t look like the picture above!
I don’t know why I just thought I’d write a book and stay hidden in my office. Being on display is not my first choice. Those who know me, know this is true.
Here’s the interview from Wednesday, Jan. 15. Thanks for all of your support.
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Get your copy of Sweet Grace: How I Lost 250 Pounds and Stopped Trying to Earn God’s Favor by clicking on the title. Also, grab a copy of Sweet Grace Study Guide: Practical Steps to Lose Weight and Overcome Sugar Addiction. If you already have a copy of either the Study Guide or the memoir, I would be honored if you would go to the pages and share a few sentences in the reviews.
Teresa Shields Parker is a Christian weight loss author, coach, podcaster, and speaker, who has lost 250 pounds and kept it off since 2013. Her books include: “Reconnecting Jayne: Her Sister’s Support,” “Rebuilding Jayne: Her Father’s Protection,” “Sweet Grace: How I Lost 250 Pounds and Stopped Trying to Earn God’s Favor,” “Sweet Grace Study Guide,” “Sweet Victory: Winning the Battle,” “Sweet Surrender: Breaking Strongholds,” “Sweet Journey to Transformation: Practical Steps to Lose Weight and Live Healthy”, “Sweet Freedom: Losing Weight and Keeping It Off With God’s Help,” “Sweet Freedom Study Guide,” “Sweet Change: True Stories of Transformation,” “Sweet Hunger: Developing an Appetite for God,” and “Sweet Excuses: Stop Lying to Yourself & Start Losing Weight.” She also offers Overcomers Christian Weight Loss Academy and VIP intensive coaching. Don’t miss her weekly podcast, Sweet Grace for Your Journey, where she shares tips from her personal journey of losing weight and discovering healthy living. Contact her at [email protected].
Teresa, I am so happy for you and where God is taking you with this book. Wish I had known you were in Dallas – I live about two hours from there. If you’re ever in Texas again, let me know. If it’s close, maybe we can meet.
Blessings!
Joan, I will try to remember to give you a heads up. I was able to see a few old college friends, but the schedule was jampacked for the workshop. Would be good to meet you though. Dallas seems to have tons of workshops and seminars!
Theresa, have you ever heard of the Stanislavski Method of acting? The concept is that actors must know their characters so well they think what the character would be thinking because people’s thoughts show up in their voice, facial expressions, and body language. When I do public speaking I think only about how I can help the audience and not about how well I’m doing. You might want to try that, even in radio interviews. (Please forgive the unsolicited advice.)
I try to do that as well. My aim is always am I connecting with the audience. Even though my pictures look silly, I think I connected well with those I was talking to in Dallas. I just try to be me. I can’t be anyone else. Still when I see the pix or video, I wish I’d worn a different top or combed my hair back over my ears or straightened whatever. It’s obvious from the pictures I don’t think about that when I’m speaking!
Actually, I think the silly picture is appealing. It makes you look like somebody fun to know.
:))