How to give a fantastic radio interview - and be invited back over and over again

How to give a fantastic radio interview - and be invited back over and over again

When we run broadcast media training, we usually focus more practice time on TV interviews than on radio interviews. You can argue, fairly justifiably, that 'if you can manage a TV interview you can do a radio interview as well'. After all, with TV you have a lot more to think about how you look, where you look, and do you have any strange mannerisms that will make you look silly on the air?

It's not quite as simple as that.. Here are some ways you might handle a radio interview differently from a television appearance.

A first obvious dissimilarity between TV is that in radio, if you're properly ready for your interview, you will carry with you a crib-sheet of some kind with a few key bullet points you would like to get across backed up where possible with some good examples, anecdotes or other proof-points. On TV you have to put this away before you go on the air nobody watching wants to see you reading from a piece of paper.

On the radio, though, you can (and ought to) have this to hand, as a useful reminder in case your mind goes blank or all of a sudden you can't remember that key statistic. Look down at it quickly before you begin, or while the interviewer is talking, in case there is something vital you may have missed.

With both radio and TV you need to make an effort to sound lively and interested rather than monotonous and boring an extra 20% of energy above your standard speaking voice is usually about right. On TV you need to make sure that this energy does not mean arms flailing about and head bobbing hugely annoying and distracting for viewers but on the radio this doesn't matter. Bob around as much as you want if this helps you to make it lively just make sure you don't get too carried away and hit the microphone.

On TV they tell you to smile so you don't appear sad or irritated that's something you needn't worry about on the radio, right? Absolutely not. Unless it is a really serious or sombre topic, inject some warmth into your voice by lightening up your expression as they say, you can 'smile on the radio' and listeners will definitely hear it.

Obviously, telephone interviews are a lot more common on the radio than the TV. If this opportunity appears, find a quiet room and shut the door behind you - ensure small children, pets etc are kept well away so you don't get distracted. Talk on a landline as mobile signals are weaker and can sometimes drop out. In fact, turn your mobile phone off so that it does not go off during the interview. Get a glass of water ready in case you get a dry throat.

Make sure you know your audience and that you pitch what you're saying appropriately no confusing jargon. Radio is a medium for big-picture general points, not nitpicking detail.

If you're selling something, make very sure you don't over-sell it. There is little that is more annoying to the listener (and the host) than somebody who brazenly and repeatedly takes it too far with product plugs. You might get away with it the first time, but they won't invite you back again.

Finally, remember to enjoy yourself! If you're having fun, the interview is likely to be fun to listen to as well.

POST COMMENT

Fight the Stomach Flu With Electrolytes! Business Electronics - Spy Cams Safety a priority Commercial Electronics - Spy Cams Save On Investments With Construction Safety Plan Development Generating Construction Site Safety Plans - Weighing All Your Options Save Time And Money With Site Safety Plans Templates Know How To Seize The Opportunity Relating To Safety Management Plan Templates Orange County for much greater safety in Laser surgery Health and Safety Policy Learn How to Solder Electronic Components Research Motor Optimisation - A Technique of Electronic Advertising and marketing Study Abroad Health and Safety for the Student Traveler