Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of May 21, 2023

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of May 21, 2023

Fund Drive

We're about halfway through our Spring 2023 Fund Drive that enables our platform and each host’s show to exist, but the funds raised thus far would cover ThinkTech's expenses for only 10 days. We need your and your guests' help to keep us on the air and produce your shows. While we are deeply grateful for your contributions of time and expertise, we also need your financial donation. Please consider donating through this link and sharing it with your networks. Or you can send a check to ThinkTech Hawaii, 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 603, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Thank you for your ongoing support in keeping ThinkTech thriving.

  DONATE  

Memorial Day

Memorial Day on Monday, May 29 is a building holiday, so we cannot record shows that day. Please let us know if you'd like to reschedule. The next building holiday is Tuesday, July 4. See the broadcast schedule at https://thinktechhosts.blogspot.com/p/faq.html.

Preparing for the Show

The key to satisfying and engaging shows is preparation. Taking time to prepare in advance can ensure a well-informed and meaningful conversation that captivates viewers. Meet with your guest at least 2 days before recording. This allows you to establish a connection, familiarize yourself with the subject, and decide on the key topics to cover during the episode.

Multiple Guests

Each guest should have their own equipment and be in separate rooms. Two people at the same machine can cause audio and framing issues. Please review our Appearance Guidelines with your guest beforehand to prevent such issues.

Promotion Tip

Have you tried using QR codes to promote your show? You can use them in emails, flyers, business cards, etc. for quick and easy access to your shows. (For example, see the QR code for Community Matters below.) You can generate them for free at https://qr-code-generator.com.

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 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 May 7, 2023

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of May 7, 2023

Point-Counterpoint Hawai'i

Join us for our live open forum, Point-Counterpoint Hawaii: Challenges to Healthcare, on Saturday, May 20th from 12 pm to 1 pm! You can watch it live on ThinkTechHawaii.com, YouTube, Vimeo or Facebook. Actively participate with our panel of local host experts, let your voice be heard, and send your questions to questions@thinktechhawaii.com.

Last Chance!

Distinguished Guest nominations close today. Click here to nominate a guest from one of your April shows. 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 Connie L. Hall, nominated by host Sharon Thomas Yarbrough for her appearance on "Sister Power".

Preparing Shows

ThinkTech Hawaii's goal is to engage and educate our viewership. “Shooting the breeze” is not enough. Select guests that are familiar with interesting topics. As host, conduct research to ensure that your content is substantive, thought-provoking, and relevant to the audience. ChatGPT may help in this process: https://chat.openai.com/auth/login. Adequate preparation can increase your viewership, enhance your credibility as a well prepared and engaged host, attract future guests, and build your show’s reputation.

Events and Holidays

Be mindful of current events and holidays when planning topics for your show. Connecting your content to events and holidays can expand our audience and show viewers that we are up-to-date with what's happening in the world. Such episodes make great content for our Special Sundae Collections, which we promote every Sunday. Please consider this as Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and Pride Month are drawing near.

Promotion Tip

Submit your episodes to online media platforms, such as local news sites and organization newsletters. For example, you can write an article for Civil Beat's Community Voices and include related information from your shows.

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.