Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of July 16, 2023

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:
Host Bulletin, Week of July 16, 2023

Last-minute Guests

Reminder: we really can’t include any last-minute guests in your shows. They create problems for our staff. Your list of guests and their information should be on your Show Information Form by 10:00 pm HST the night before so we have enough time to prepare for your episode.

Zoom Camera

Leave your camera and the Zoom program on at all times, and don’t move the camera unless the engineer asks you to do so.  If you disturb or turn off the camera or the Zoom program, we will have to cut out that part of the video.  If you need to get up, just leave your camera alone.

Sound Interruptions

During the show, be sure to turn off your cellphone and set your computer devices to Do Not Disturb in order to avoid notification sounds, which will be picked up on the Zoom audio. Here are some instructions on how to do that: https://blog.rescuetime.com/do-not-disturb/

Reading Text

Avoid reading lengthy resources (articles, data, statistics, biographies, etc.) on air. That will bore and turn off viewers.  Instead, quote the most important points (NMT three sentences) or summarize the resource. Slides with succinct bullet points about the resource can be helpful visual aids. If you have notes, put them in a word-processing document or notepad window on your screen as near as possible to the camera so you can look into the camera and maintain eye contact with the audience. In any event, never read more than 90 seconds.

 

Promotion Tip

Help us help you! Remember to tag and mention ThinkTech Hawaii in your social media posts so we can share them with our viewers and followers. Type the “@” symbol and then start typing our page's name:

Facebook - @ThinkTechHawaii
Instagram - @ThinkTechNews
LinkedIn - @ThinkTech-Hawaii

Please regularly review past Host Bulletins and other resources - it leads to better shows. See our equipment suggestions at https://thinktechhawaii.com/equipment-suggestions-2/.

Questions, contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of July 2, 2023

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:
Host Bulletin, Week of July 2, 2023

Our Bulletins

Please review our weekly Host Bulletins.  They will help you do better shows, and not looking at them often creates problems for our staff and your guests, and sometimes results in the cancellation of shows.  You can see them all at thinktechhosts.blogspot.com, and you can also review the guides we have posted on thinktechhawaii.com:

Appearance Guidelines https://thinktechhawaii.com/remote-shows/
Pre-Flight Checklist https://thinktechhawaii.com/getting-ready-for-the-show/
Graphics Guidelines https://thinktechhawaii.com/graphics-guidelines/
Script Suggestions https://thinktechhawaii.com/hosts-guests-2/script-suggestions/
Host Guide https://thinktechhawaii.com/hosts-guests-2/host-guide/

Distinguished Guest Nominations

Click here to nominate a guest from one of your June shows to be selected a Distinguished Guest! Only the first 10 nominations will be on the ballot. Nominations close on July 7th and voting will begin on the 10th. The results will be posted in our email advisories on the 20th. The winning candidate will be profiled in a short video for our livestreams and social media.  Last month's winner was Gary Yabuta, nominated by host Jay Fidell for his appearance on "Global Connections" in an episode that dealt with Drug Trafficking in Hawaii.

Equipment

Please check your video and audio quality in Zoom, and if either is questionable please consider investing in better equipment. Make sure your guests also have adequate equipment to look and sound good on your show. See our recommendations at https://thinktechhawaii.com/equipment-suggestions-2/.

Movement

Find a comfortable position and hold it though the show.  Don't lean back and forth or swivel in your chair - excessive movement creates video artifacts, causes framing issues and deteriorates your audio. Change to a more stable chair if necessary.

Promotion Tip

Include eye-catching graphics, quotes and clips featuring highlights from your episodes on your promotions. Share these on the email you send to your followers and on social media to grab attention and get people to view your shows.

Please regularly review past Host Bulletins and other resources - it leads to better shows.

Questions, contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of May 14, 2023

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of May 14, 2023

Live Forum This Saturday

Join us for Point-Counterpoint live on Saturday, May 20th from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. Challenges to Healthcare in Hawaii on ThinkTechHawaii.com, YouTube, Vimeo or Facebook  The forum will be moderated by former governor John Waihe'e. The panelists will be Hilton Raethel, CEO of Hawaii Healthcare Association; Scott Grosskreutz, a radiologist in Hilo; Esther Smith, a family practice doctor in Kona; and Vicky Cayetano, businesswoman, politician and informed citizen.  Please tune in and send your questions and comments to questions@thinktechhawaii.com.

Cancelling A Show

To address the problems we have been having with short notice cancellations, we are implementing a new policy regarding cancellations. Going forward, a host who has two unexcused absences within two months will become an ad hoc host, i.e., the regular time slot for your show will be assigned to other shows and you will have to do your show at other times that may come available. 

Cancellations will be considered excused if:

(a) you notify us at least one calendar week in advance to give us time to organize a suitable replacement;

(b) you provide an alternative show as a substitute; or

(c) you are experiencing an unexpected emergency.

To prevent unexcused absences, we suggest you prepare backup hosts and guests or, if necessary, prepare a solo show with slides or other graphics. 

Distinguished Guest Election/Survey

Voting is open! Thanks to everyone who made nominations. Click here to cast your ballot for ThinkTech Distinguished Guest. Vote only once, but feel free to share the link.  Last month's winner was Connie L. Hall, nominated by host Sharon Thomas Yarbrough of "Sister Power". Voting closes this Wednesday, May 17th, and we'll announce the results in our email advisories on the 20th.

Recording Indoors

You and your guests should do your shows from quiet indoor spaces. Outdoor spaces are noisy and unpredictable, and recording in a car is dangerous and way less than ideal. If you or a guest find you have no choice but to record from a car, stop safely on the side of the road so we can get acceptable production values. Thanks for your cooperation on this -- we had to shelve an episode that was recorded from a car this week.

Promotion Tip

Digital flyers can be helpful tools in promoting your show. See attached examples from fellow ThinkTech Hosts. You can create them for free on Canva, which is available on the Web, Android and iPhone.

Please regularly review past Host Bulletins and other resources - it leads to better shows. See our equipment suggestions at https://thinktechhawaii.com/equipment-suggestions-2/.

Questions, contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of April 23, 2023

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of April 23, 2023

Best Device

You and your guests should connect from a desktop computer or laptop if at all possible. They have more functionality, stability, and better video and audio quality. Phones and tablets should be used as a last resort, but if you need them, 1) have a phone stand, books, and tape ready to make adjustments; 2)  learn how to navigate the Zoom settings, including rotation lock; and 3) connect headphones with a mic to your device.

Professionalism

To present yourself in the best light, please wear semi-professional clothing and choose a presentable location to record. Do not wear clothes that are white, striped, seersucker or have small patterns like checkers or dots. They create distracting video artifacts around your head and shoulders. Also wear clothing that distinguishes you from the background. Appropriate dress not only looks good on camera, but also creates a positive and professional image for you, your guests and your show.

Zoom Chat

Keep an eye on the Zoom chat box throughout the show so you can watch for notifications. The engineer may message you about show timing (e.g., "5 minutes to close") or issues that need to be fixed. Wrap up promptly when the engineer messages you to close the show--time has already run out, please refrain from asking final questions or making closing remarks. This will ensure that we stay on schedule and end the show on time.

Show Cancellations

If ever you or your guest can't make it to your show, please plan alternatives:

1. Keep an updated list of other hosts and/or guests to step in as last-minute backups.
2. If host is unavailable but guest is ready, and you can't find a backup host in time, with some notice we may be able to find a substitute host
3. If guest is unavailable, and you can't find a backup guest in time, host can do a solo show, preferably with slides or other graphics.
4. Pre-record a show on your own Zoom account. You need approval for this option, because it doubles or triples the staff time and expenses for the show. Let us know a week in advance.

If you do end up cancelling, let us know ASAP so we have time to recover and set up an alternative show.

Promotion Tip

Encourage your network--family, friends, coworkers, colleagues, and anyone else who would be interested--to like, comment, and share your video. This will not only boost engagement and expand your audience, but also improve the ranking of your video, increasing the chances that it will be discovered by even more people.

Please regularly review past Host Bulletins and other resources - it leads to better shows. See our equipment suggestions at https://thinktechhawaii.com/equipment-suggestions-2/.

Questions, contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of April 2, 2023

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of April 2, 2023

Distinguished Guest Nominations

Click here to nominate a guest from one of your March shows to be selected a Distinguished Guest! Only the first 10 nominations will make the ballot. Nominations close on April 7 and voting will begin on the 10th. Distinguished Guest Election results will be posted in our email advisories on the 20th. The winning candidate will be profiled in a short video for our livestreams and social media.  Last month's winner was Lee Sichter, nominated by host Jay Fidell for his appearance on "Catching up on Kaka'ako".

Troubleshooting

Need help with your setup? Contact our studio manager Michael Pangilinan. He can meet with you 1-on-1 on Zoom to assist and provide guidance if you have any concerns about tech--your computer, Internet, Zoom, camera, microphone, etc. Email Michael at michael@thinktechhawaii.com to schedule a meeting, up to 40 minutes long.

Beverages

We'd like to keep our productions professional, so if you need to sip your beverage during the show, please wait until you're offscreen. The engineer's Zoom window shows you what's being recorded. If your face is not there, it means you’re offscreen and thus free to sip your beverage.

Reading Text

Avoid reading lengthy resources (articles, statistics, biographies, etc.) on air.  That will bore and turn off viewers. Instead, quote the most important points (NMT three sentences) or summarize the resource. Slides with bullet points about the resource can be helpful visual aids. In any event, never read more than 60 seconds.

Promotion Tip

Use our resources! ThinkTechHawaii.com is our most valuable resource and is full of information about our platforms and productions. You can send prospective guests a link to our Hosts page, Press Kit, ThinkTech Stats, About ThinkTech, and A Brief History of ThinkTech to let them know more about you and about ThinkTech.

Please regularly review past Host Bulletins and other resources - it leads to better shows. See our equipment suggestions at https://thinktechhawaii.com/equipment-suggestions-2/.

Questions, contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of March 5, 2023

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of March 5, 2023

Distinguished Guest Nominations Are Open

Click here to nominate a guest from one of your February shows to be selected a Distinguished Guest! Only the first 10 nominations will make the ballot. Nominations close on March 7 and voting will begin on the 10th. Distinguished Guest Election results will be posted in our email advisories on the 20th. The winning candidate will be profiled in a short video for our livestreams and social media.  Last month's winner was Wesley L. Boykin, nominated by host Stephanie Dalton of "The State of the State of Hawaii".

Confirm Guests

All guests should be confirmed, and all the information called for by your Show Information Form should be provided by 10:00 pm the night before the show. Make sure your guests know they cannot invite an additional guest to join the program without first emailing us at shows@thinktechhawaii.com by the 10 pm deadline. We and your guests really do need sufficient time to review what you are submitting so we can properly prepare for your show. 

Spelling

Triple check your show information before submitting it to us -- especially the title, tagline, locations, and guest names and affiliations. When appropriate, consider using diacritical marks for Hawaiian words, e.g., Mānoa, Oʻahu and ʻohana. You can check these out on wehewehe.org.

Audio Equipment

Please consider getting an external headset or earphones with a mic. These greatly improve audio quality. The internal microphone of your laptop/computer is more susceptible to audio issues such as noise and echo. Viewers need clear sound to hear your show. Equipment suggestions: https://thinktechhawaii.com/equipment-suggestions-2/.

Promotion Tip

Help us help you! Help us help you! Remember to tag and mention ThinkTech Hawaii in your social media posts so we can share them with our viewers and followers. Type the “@” symbol and then start typing our page's name:
Facebook - @ThinkTechHawaii
Instagram - @ThinkTechNews
LinkedIn - @ThinkTech-Hawaii

Please regularly review past Host Bulletins and other resources \- it leads to better shows.

Questions, contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of February 26, 2023

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of February 26, 2023

Point-Counterpoint Hawai'i

We're starting a monthly series of live open forum webinars discussing public issues in Hawaii. The first program is on Saturday, March 4th from 12 to 1 pm and will address Public Safety in Hawaii. Please spread the word, register for the program (here or on thinktechhawaii.com) and actively participate by sending in questions and comments.  It’s an opportunity for everyone to express their views, and for us to achieve greater public involvement and awareness for the months and years to come.

The Bigger Picture

Our mission is to raise public awareness, and to do that we need the public to watch your shows. Think about the bigger picture. Ask yourself "Why should Hawai'i care?" as you plan your episodes. We've added this question to the Show Information Form, because people should watch the content you put so much work into sharing. We want to boost interest in your shows.

Microphones

Audio is the most important aspect of production. People watch shows without video (e.g., multitasking, overhearing from somewhere else), but most don't watch video without sound. It's important to invest in a quality microphone so you can communicate better. See our equipment recommendations at https://thinktechhawaii.com/equipment-suggestions-2/ and/or contact us at shows@thinktechhawaii.com if you have any questions.

Commentaries

Want to express your opinion on a community issue? Write up a commentary on something you care about and send it to us at shows@thinktechhawaii.com and we'll publish it in the ThinkTech Weekly, and if you like we’ll also record a video of it with you or animate it and include it in our entr'acte and on demand. For an example, see this commentary from host Cynthia Lee Sinclair: https://youtu.be/aHwaoFlRCsU.

Promotion Tip

Participate in online communities like forums and groups related to your shows. They can help you promote your content and connect with potential viewers and guests.  When you engage with them, don’t be shy; talk up ThinkTech and your show.

Please regularly review past Host Bulletins and other resources at https://thinktechhosts.blogspot.com - it leads to better shows. See our equipment suggestions at https://thinktechhawaii.com/equipment-suggestions-2/.

Questions, contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of January 8, 2023

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of January 8, 2023

Welcome Back!

We hope the holiday break was really fulfilling and helped you relax, reflect, and plan for the new year. Now it's time to get back into our routine. If you have any questions about the date of your next episode, contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Updated Opening Suggestion

We've updated the script suggestions for openings to help with the transition to the new intro format. See below.

Welcome to [NAME OF SHOW] on ThinkTech Hawaii. I’m your host [NAME OF HOST]. Joining me today are our guests [NAMES AND AFFILIATIONS OF GUESTS]. Today, we’re going to talk about [BRIEF INTRODUCTORY REMARKS ON THE SUBJECT].

STINGER (short clip with music to get the viewers' attention for the show) 

Welcome to the show, [GUEST NAMES].

Audio Standards

Make sure you and your guests review our Appearance Guidelines before the date of the show. If your audio is below our production standards, we may cancel the episode. You can check your audio quality through the settings on Zoom. Better yet, you can test the video and audio of you and your guests by going on the free version of Zoom, recording a test show, and playing the recording back. See https://thinktechhosts.blogspot.com/search/label/Audio for more audio tips.

Ways to Brighten Your Face

You can use one of the attached images to make your monitor a ring light.  If you have a Mac, you can also download the iGlasses app, which is a great way to adjust, brighten and improve your video picture.  You can find it at https://www.ecamm.com/mac/iglasses/. Of course, you can also get a real ring light at Best Buy; prices are coming down all the time.

Promotion Tip

Encourage your friends, family and following to watch your episodes as they air! They can sign up for our ThinkTech Daily to see the broadcast schedule of your shows. The link to subscribe is https://madmimi.com/signups/ef99f3ec9ec247e28903ae6140371bd7/join

Please regularly review past Host Bulletins and other resources - it leads to better shows.

Questions, contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of November 27, 2022

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of November 27, 2022

Fund Drive

November 29 is Giving Tuesday, and it's a great opportunity to inspire generosity. We are in the final weeks of our Fall Fund Drive, and everyone's donations on this special day are more important than ever. If you haven't already, please donate through the button below, or send a check to ThinkTech Hawaii, 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 603, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. We appreciate your help and support.

  DONATE  

Equipment

There's still time to upgrade your equipment! Cyber Monday is tomorrow, and there are many great deals. Our staff has given more recommendations for equipment on sale:

• Camera https://amzn.to/3J8BerZ
• Small Light https://amzn.to/3vWYJ3h
• Green screen https://amzn.to/3Vf9at1
• Green screen fabric https://amzn.to/3ODb2Js
• Green screen backdrop https://amzn.to/3VpuH1y

Episode Titles

A good episode title can greatly affect your views. Use words that are expressive, to the point, concise, and most of all, catchy and memorable. Include popular searchable words relating to your topic. Avoid long phrases and proofread, and then proofread again. Here are some examples from recent shows with over 1,000 views:

Is Coronavirus Just Another Hoax
Who is Shohei Otani
Military Accountability: You're Fired
The World is Plugging into Hydrogen
Why Ukraine Matters Taiwan Talks Today

Fidgeting

Please avoid fidgeting or touching your face or hair while you're onscreen during a show. It can be distracting and hard to watch. Also, look at yourself. The engineer's Zoom window shows you what's being recorded. If your face is not there, it means you’re offscreen.

Promotion Tip

Use our resources! ThinkTechHawaii.com is our most valuable resource and is full of information about our platforms and productions. You can send prospective guests a link to our Hosts page, Press Kit, ThinkTech Stats, About ThinkTech, and A Brief History of ThinkTech to let them know more about you and about ThinkTech.

Please regularly review past Host Bulletins and other resources - it leads to better shows.

Questions, contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of November 6, 2022

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of November 6, 2022

Distinguished Guest Nominations are Open

Click here to nominate a guest from one of your October shows to be selected a Distinguished Guest! Only the first 10 nominations will make the ballot. Nominations close tomorrow, November 7 and voting will begin on the 10th. Distinguished Guest Election results will be posted in our email advisories on November 20. The winning candidate will be profiled in a short video for our livestreams and social media. Last month's winner was Cyber Bunny, nominated by host Wendy Loh of "Taking Your Health Back".

Testing Sound

Single words or short phrases are not enough for testing audio before the show, so make sure to talk with your guests and our engineers so they can get enough sound to check the audio. The engineer may ask you a question (e.g., "How's the weather?") to help you along. Please answer in some detail, and keep on talking until the engineer asks you to stop.

Clothing

Clothes that are white, striped, seersucker or have small patterns like checkers or dots can create distracting video artifacts around your head and shoulders, so please avoid them. Instead, wear clothing that distinguishes you from the background.

Introducing Your Guest

Try to keep guest introductions to 1-2 sentences each. A long, detailed introduction is always boring and loses viewers. Tell your viewers who you are, connect your episode to your series, and then briefly introduce your guests and get to the point asap with your first question. See our script suggestions at https://thinktechhawaii.com/hosts-guests-2/script-suggestions/. Then, as the show unfolds, weave the guest's background into the conversation.

Promotion Tip

Use business cards to create a good impression as a ThinkTech Host. You can visit or email Professional Image to print 100 cards in one day. The current price is $27. VistaPrint.com prints 100 cards for a current price of $18. You can use the design from host Peter Rosegg's presentation as a template. Make the suite number 603 if you include the address. If you ask them to overlay a “PRESS” watermark, that will be even better.

Please regularly review past Host Bulletins and other resources - it leads to better shows.

Questions, contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of October 9, 2022

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of October 9, 2022

All Host Zoom Meeting 10/21/22, 9:00 am HST

 Save the date! Register for our All Host Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qf-mrqTwtE9R60n3yWFAQR8T6G7Yf7E0T. This is your opportunity to get together and compare notes with long-time and newer hosts, as well as our staff. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

Graphics / No Screen Sharing

All graphics must be submitted by 10 pm HST the night before the show. Screen sharing those graphics on Zoom reduces the video quality, so please do not display graphics that way. Review our Graphics Guidelines before submitting your graphics. We cannot accept graphics without a permission form and proper labels. This is, of course, to avoid claims by copyright owners and problems with upload platforms.

Connecting By Phone

Be ready to get on your phone and call the Zoom telephone numbers (listed with the Zoom link we send you) if there are connectivity issues. Have a phone stand, books, and/or some tape ready to get your device into the proper position. Also, make sure to send us up-to-date cell numbers for your guests.  They will be critical if there are connectivity issues.

Camera Settings

Want easier control over your camera video? We recommend iGlasses for Mac: https://www.ecamm.com/mac/iglasses/. The free trial lasts seven days and the full program costs $19.95.

Promotion Tip

Express your pride as a ThinkTech Host! You work hard to make your shows great. Tell colleagues and people you meet that you're a talk show host on ThinkTech Hawaii, a nonprofit that has produced over 12,000 talk shows and short movies, and streams 30 new live talk shows every week. Send them to your shows and a link to your playlist when you can.

Please regularly review past Host Bulletins and other resources - it leads to better shows.

Questions, contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of October 2, 2022

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of October 2, 2022

Distinguished Guest Nominations Are Open

Click here to nominate a guest from one of your September shows to be selected a Distinguished Guest! Only the first 10 nominations will make the ballot. Nominations close this Friday, October 7 and voting will begin on the 10th. Election results will be posted in our email advisories on October 20. The winning candidate for Distinguished Guest will be profiled in a short video for our livestreams and social media.  Last month's winner was J.K. Lin, nominated by host Mark Shklov of "Law Across the Sea".

Host Meeting 10/21/22, 9:00 am HST

Our first virtual host meeting since last year!!  All ThinkTech Hosts are invited to a 45-minute Zoom meeting Friday, October 21, 9 am HST, to review productions and plans, share information and tips and get together with long-time and newer hosts.  Please save the date. You’ll receive a link and agenda before the meeting. We look forward to seeing you (virtually)!

Graphics

Permission forms are required when submitting graphics (except for the exemptions listed on the form), so make sure to send them in the same email or at the same time. We may not be able to accept late graphics or permission forms; they are due 10 pm HST the night before the show. If you need any help figuring out the form, let me know at hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Audio

Please familiarize yourself with the audio settings in Zoom. The most important ones are speaker and microphone selections, volume sliders, background noise suppression, and echo cancellation. Do not shout or yell during the show - it creates inconsistent and uneven audio.

Promotion Tip

Need help with potential guests, topics, and questions? Create an email address for your show and include it in the Website to Display field on your Show Information Form so we can promote it in your episodes and other platforms. Peter Rosegg made thetwowheelrevolution@gmail.com for his new show "The Two-Wheel Revolution".

Please regularly review past Host Bulletins and other resources - it leads to better shows.

Questions, contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of September 11, 2022

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of September 11, 2022

Distinguished Guest Election/Survey

Voting is open! Thanks to everyone who made nominations. Click here to cast your ballot for ThinkTech Distinguished Guest. Vote only once, but feel free to share the link.  Last month's winner was David Larson, nominated by host Chuck Crumpton of "It's Time for Responsible Change". We also appreciate your response to our Current Events Survey. Voting closes on September 17 and we'll announce the results in our email advisories on the 20th.

Legal Chicken, Legal Egg

Join us for a timely ThinkTech Hawaii webinar on Friday, September 30. "Burning National Issues: Legal Chicken, Legal Egg" will examine critical national issues: abortion, gun violence, climate change, voting rights, and the insurrection. Featuring panelists Kimi Ide-Foster, Chris Marvin, Richard Wallsgrove, Sylvia Albert, Jeffrey Portnoy and moderator Avi Soifer. Please spread the word and register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qIlgPBHrQMW_vKtOIGbUxg.

Flyer: https://bit.ly/Chicken-Egg-Flyer
Panel Bios: https://bit.ly/Chicken-Egg-Bios
Promo: https://youtu.be/bYc_-UWzNd4

Quiet Spaces

It may seem obvious, but it is dangerous to do a show in a car. Make sure you and your guests pre-select quiet, indoor spaces to record the show. Ask others around you to keep quiet and set all devices to Do Not Disturb. You may need to move to a more isolated space if there is too much noise.

Phones/Tablets

It's best to join Zoom from a computer/laptop instead of a phone or tablet. The former have more functionality, stability, and better video and audio quality. For more Appearance Guidelines: https://thinktechhawaii.com/remote-shows/

Promotion Tip

Before your show airs, promote your upcoming episode through email, phone and social media. We stream your shows on ThinkTechHawaii.com, YouTube.com/ThinkTechHawaii and Vimeo.com/ThinkTechHawaii. Encourage people to sign up for our email advisories at https://bit.ly/join-thinktech to view the shows of the day. They can also subscribe and click the bell on YouTube.com/ThinkTechHawaii so they receive a link whenever your show is published.

Please regularly review past Host Bulletins and other resources - it leads to better shows.

Questions, contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of April 24, 2022

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of April 24, 2022

Fund Drive

Thanks to everyone who has made donations, recorded promos, and otherwise promoted our Spring 2022 Fund Drive. Please continue to promote the drive; we've been posting about it in all our advisories, livestreams and social media. To make a donation through PayPal or with a credit card, please click here. Or send your check to ThinkTech Hawaii, 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 603, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Thanks so much.

Graphics

We have designed a new automated Permissions Form for all photos, graphics, video clips, audio files and live music (excepting host and guest logos and headshots, websites and graphics from our staff) you want to use in your shows. You can find the form at http://thinktechhawaii.com/graphics-guidelines/.  The permissions on the form will help us minimize the risk of infringement, appeal from claims of infringement, and allow us to use these materials on other productions.  

Zoom Update

Zoom recently updated to version 5.10.3. Please install it by (a) clicking on your profile picture in the Zoom app and clicking on Check for Updates, or by (b) downloading Zoom Client for Meetings at zoom.us/download.

Troubleshooting Video and Audio Problems

Please keep your chat box open and check it regularly. The engineer may message you about production issues.  You may need to take a 1-minute (or longer) break to resolve them. Here’s a script suggestion for breaks: https://thinktechhawaii.com/hosts-guests-2/script-suggestions/. If we have to edit the show afterward, it will take longer for us to upload it and distribute the links.

Promotion Tip

Use our resources! ThinkTechHawaii.com is our most valuable resource and is full of information about our platforms and productions. You can send potential guests a link to our Hosts page to let them know about you, and you can send them a link to our Press Kit to let them know about ThinkTech Hawaii.

Questions, please contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of March 13, 2022

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of March 13, 2022

Distinguished Guest Election/Survey

Voting is open! Thanks to everyone who made nominations. Cast your ballot for our ThinkTech Distinguished Guest at https://bit.ly/march2022-poll. Vote only once, but feel free to share the link.  Note that we added a Current Events Survey and we hope you will give us your views on the questions there. Voting closes on March 17 and we will announce the results in our Email Advisories on March 20.

Press Kit

We have created a Press Kit about ThinkTech on thinktechhawaii.com.  You can use the Kit to educate potential guests about ThinkTech and promote our work to your viewers, associates and friends. You can get the Kit from https://thinktechhawaii.com/press-kit. 

Daylight Savings Time

Reminder: Daylight Savings Time begins today! Hawaii does not change but most of the mainland will move one hour forward.  That means that the time in East Coast cities, for example, will be 6 hours later than Hawaii rather than the current 5-hour difference.  Keep this in mind when scheduling shows, and make sure your guests keep it in mind, too.

Equipment

We would like to help you achieve the highest possible production values.  We have found that external cameras and mics usually provide better video and sound than the cameras and mics that are built in to your computers.  Here are some recommendations for external cameras and mics, as well as for some small lights and tripods that may help you achieve better production values:
• Camera: https://amzn.to/3J8BerZ
• Mic with earphones: https://amzn.to/3KChNbb
• Small Light: https://amzn.to/3vWYJ3h
• Small Tripod: https://amzn.to/3I6rtcc

Promotion Tip

Remind your guests that they can help you promote the shows you do with them.  Ask them to share the links we send them after the show, using their email, text messages and social media. The best result is when you promote them, and they promote you.

Questions, please contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of January 16, 2022

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of January 16, 2022

Host Bios

Reminder: please submit your bio (max 100 words) and headshot by Wednesday  to hayley@thinktechhawaii.com. We'll post them on our Hosts page on thinktechhawaii.com and make videos to promote you and your show(s) throughout the day.

Quiet Spaces

Select a quiet, indoor space to record the show. Ask others around you to keep quiet and set all devices to Do Not Disturb. You may need to move to a more isolated space if others are too noisy. For more Appearance Guidelines: https://thinktechhawaii.com/remote-shows/

Webinar

Our first ThinkTech Hawaii webinar was a success with over 200 registrants! You can watch Evolving Crisis: The Escalating Threat of COVID and Climate Change on our livestream on Friday, January 21 at 10 am or on demand at https://youtu.be/8SKixr3oUdM. Thank you for supporting us throughout this important project.

Survey Responses

These included some helpful ideas, such as suggestions for new shows in the arts, science, communications, economics and books.  If you have ideas for hosts that could organize these shows, please let us know. There were also some suggestions re production values, such as better sound (which we are always working on), adherence to start and end times, and minimizing opening introductions. There were suggestions about reducing restrictions on infringements, but that’s a matter of law and liability, and we can’t do that. Finally, there were some suggestions re the website, and we have been working on that anyway, but we don’t have the resources to make wholesale changes.

Questions, please contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Graphics, Websites, Vocabulary, and Co-hosts

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

For this week's Host Bulletin, we have some important advice you should keep in mind while hosting your shows.

Graphics

When you send graphics, make sure to keep them simple. Too much text and too many images can make slides cluttered and hard to read/see. It's best to put up words and phrases instead of full sentences.

Websites

When you refer to a website, please state the url. We upload episodes as podcasts, which have no video. If you are going to refer to a website, let us know through your show information form so we can put it onscreen for those watching the video.

Vocabulary

When using acronyms or terms of art -- "collective bargaining” and “COLA” (cost of living adjustment), for example -- take a moment to explain it clearly to the viewer. Defining vocabulary for the average viewer helps us to make sure we don't lose them due to confusion from excessive jargon.

Co-hosts

If you have a co-host, make sure to bring them into the discussion so they don't sit idly and look like a wallflower. You can ask your co-host to introduce the guest or have them ask questions so there's more of a dialogue and they're more involved in the conversation. You may also want to call on them at the end to summarize the discussion and thank the guest for appearing on the show.

Thanks so much for your cooperation on these things. If you have questions, please contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Interruptions, Guides and Fund Drive

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

For this week's Host Bulletin, we'd like to give you some important advice, remind you about our guides, and alert you to our fund drive.

Sound Interruptions

During the show, make sure to turn off your phones and set your computer and other devices to Do Not Disturb to avoid notification noises. Here are some instructions on how to do that: https://blog.rescuetime.com/do-not-disturb/

Non-Responsive Answers

If a guest is rambling during the show without answering your original question, interrupt them and remind them to answer the question you asked. You can thank them for their response and repeat your question.

Necessary Guides

As a ThinkTech host, please be familiar with what's on our ThinkTech Hawaii website and Host website. For our current format, our most useful guides on the TTH website are:

Appearance Guidelines https://thinktechhawaii.com/remote-shows/

Graphics Guidelines https://thinktechhawaii.com/graphics-guidelines/

Script Suggestions https://thinktechhawaii.com/hosts-guests-2/script-suggestions/

Host Guide https://thinktechhawaii.com/hosts-guests-2/host-guide/

Fund Drive

We are starting our Fall 2021 Fund Drive: ThinkTech Gives Thanks on Monday. Thank you to everyone who has recorded promos, promoted our drive thus far and made an early donation. We'll be posting about it in our Daily Email Advisories, so please continue to promote the fund drive. To make a donation through PayPal or with a credit card, please click on the Donate button on thinktechhawaii.com. To send a donation by check, please send it to ThinkTech Hawaii, 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 603, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Thanks for your help and support. We are very appreciative.

Thanks so much for your cooperation as well. If you have questions, please contact Hayley at hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Phones, Titles, Intros, and Disparagement

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

For this week's Host Bulletin, we'd like to review things you should do to improve your shows.

Phones

Be ready to get on your phone and call the Zoom audio connection numbers (these numbers are on the link email we sent you) if there are connectivity or audio issues. Also, make sure to send us the cell numbers for your guests.  They will be critical if there are connectivity tissues with your guests.

Episode Titles

Make sure your episode titles and tagline are clear and accurately describe the discussion you contemplate on the show.  Make them short and catchy, using the kinds of words that will attract viewers for the live show and later when they search for keywords on demand.

Starting the Show

After the engineer counts down, make sure you start speaking right away to engage and hold your viewers. You need to be energetic and accurately state your name, the name of the series, the episode, the guests and the topic right away. It helps to count in your head along with the engineer. We want to avoid "deer in the headlights" confusion moments when you start the show.

Disparagement

Avoid disparaging comments and invasions of privacy on your shows, and discourage your guests from going so. Don't make harmful statements about someone that you know or should know are false.  Stick to the facts.  If you are going to make an opinion, say that it’s your opinion. Don’t do name calling.  Err on the side of caution.  Note that public figures, to make a claim, have to show that you acted with malice and knew that your statements were false or that you spoke in reckless disregard for the truth.

Thank you so much for your cooperation. If you have any questions, you can contact Hayley at hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.

Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Underwriters, Reactions, and Equipment

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

For this week’s Host Bulletin, we’d like to review some policies and recommend some essential equipment. 

“Sponsors” vs. “Underwriters”

We are supported by tax deductible donations from underwriters.  Sponsors more often pay for advertising time or space. We do not have any sponsors.

Reactions

When you react to your guest's comments during the show, avoid nodding and saying "I agree" too much. It's too repetitive, and it's more interesting if you vary your gestures and expressions.

Green Screens

If you use a green screen, please make sure that it's well-lit to avoid any artifacts. Choose a background with some contrast and color, but not too much where it becomes distracting. We can send you potential backgrounds to use, or blur your selected image as a background.

Equipment

Please get equipment that ensures that you will have clear audio and video. First try wiping your lens and lighting yourself better.  If your audio or video is still below standard you may want to get a separate USB camera and microphone.  Check out Logitech and similar brands at Best Buy, Amazon or B&H Photo. You can also call Jay 780-9254 and he will give you suggestions.

Thanks so much for your cooperation. If you have questions, please contact Hayley at hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.