Reply #5: Can't listen right now

[gratuitous]

But folks who call in to Randi's show should know that she goes on her own riff for the first couple (okay, ten) minutes. Once she's blown herself out, then she usually lets the other person have a few words. I strongly suggest that if anyone here calls in to her show (or any show for that matter), write down the two or three points that you absolutely have to, got to make, and then one or two points after that. Rehearse what you're going to say, so that when your turn comes, you're ready and talking when someone says, "Go ahead, caller." Dead air is a mortal enemy on radio, and the time to gather your thoughts is before your mic is hot.

If you're good, coherent and cogent, you'll get your "had to make" points in, and if you're lyrical and glib, you'll get to make your optional points as well.