Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of May 28, 2023

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of May 28, 2023

Fund Drive

We still have a way to go for our Spring 2023 Fund Drive.  Of course, the drive keeps your shows and this platform running. Please donate to our drive through this link, the QR code below, or by mail to ThinkTech Hawaii, 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 603, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Share it with your guests, friends, family and colleagues. Every donation, big or small, helps.

Guest Bios

Of course, you want to introduce your guests when you start the show, but that introduction should be short, a couple of sentences.  If you recite a lengthy bio, you will lose your viewers.  You can mention bio information, when appropriate, during the show, dropping a point here and there to inform your viewers, but avoid a long recitation.

Talking Over

Although it’s important to moderate the discussion as a host, repeatedly talking over or interrupting can seem inconsiderate and hinder the conversation. You might tell them in advance to hold their comments down to a few minutes so you can move on to the next point of discussion.  If they nevertheless go on too long, or if you find that they are repeating their comments, try a soft interruption once or twice, and that should get them to stop.

Lighting

Make sure your camera is at eye level and that your light source is in front of you. Avoid lighting from behind you or directly above you - that will cast shadows on your face. If you wear glasses, look at your image in your Zoom window and if necessary adjust the light or your glasses to avoid a direct reflection on your glasses.

Promotion Tip

Ask viewers to subscribe to ThinkTech Hawaii's YouTube channel by clicking this link or the SUBSCRIBE button on https://www.youtube.com/thinktechhawaii. If they click the bell, YouTube will send them a link for each new ThinkTech program that has been uploaded. 

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 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.