My appearance on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

There are more game shows on TV now than at any other time, so put on your "game face" and try out.  I did--and ended up in the "Hot Seat" on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire!

It's not just chance.  Be carefully reviewing the types of candidates that shows are looking for and by presenting your "best self" you greatly increase your odds. You can audition online, in person or by submitting an audition tape. If you can, try to attend a live audition so you can stand out from the crowd and impress the judges with your unique personality.

1) Visit the show websites.

Game show websites are your best source of information.  They not only will give you details about how to audition, but also give you alerts as to special theme weeks, where you will have a better chance of being chosen if you are "Engaged," a "College Student" or member of the military. Look for such web links as "Be a Contestant," "Be on the Show," "Casting." You also MUST READ THE APPLICATION AND RULES.  Will you have to pay your own expenses if you are chosen as a contestant? For many shows, the answer is yes. Note, however, that any expenses are deductible if you win.  The websites also usually have contestant blogs which will give you at least some idea of what it's actually like to be on the show.

2) Be prepared for your audition.

In addition to the show websites, there are also game show message boards all over the web. They usually give you a warts-and-all account of auditions etc.and some are "almost" as enjoyable as the eBay blog! In addition, look for game show books on eBay that can offer advice as well.

3) Be perky and confident!

When auditioning, think MISS AMERICA. Really.  Act like the audition is the Greatest Experience of Your Life and smile, smile, smile. 

4) Think about your hook.

Why should the show pick you over that guy standing next to you in the audition line?  You need to give the producers a reason to select you--and many times it comes down to your story. Think carefully about your life:  how you met your spouse, an unusual job you once had, a celebrity encounter etc.  I got the producers' attention on Millionaire when I told them I was once Bill Cosby's bodyguard.  (True--when Bill visited Special Olympics in my hometown, I was one of the people who formed a human circle around him to protect him and the crowds around him!) I believe everyone has a story to tell--think about yours.

5) Stay away from cliches.

Think carefully about how you'd spend the money you'd win--and DO NOT say boring things like "Pay my bills" or "Get " or a Hair Transplant.  I told the show that I wanted to buy "life's little luxuries" like "underwear that is sold on hangers, not shrink-wrapped in a bin." Or maybe you have a heart-rendering story too --they don't just have to be funny.

Now, good luck!  Let me know when you'll be on ...