Radio Interviews

Check List

Preparation

Preparation should be as thorough as for the TV.  Stick to two or three key points with three or four subpoints.

Anecdotes are, if anything, more crucial.  The television viewer expects to be shown a picture of something all the time, but the radio listener has to paint his or her own mental pictures.

The studio

Radio stations are generally smaller than television ones.  Interviewees usually sit at a table with a microphone right in front of them.  Surprisingly, a radio studio can be more distracting than a TV one. 

The sound proofing is often more noticeable and unlike the TV radio interviewers might be doing other things instead of looking at the interviewee when he or she is talking.

Voice test

Speak at the level you intend to use for the interview.

Manner

Sit forward in the chair, speak clearly and distinctly.  It is also much easier to refer to notes for guidance but do not read from them or rustle the paper.

Sincerity, enthusiasm

The listener has not heard your voice before so sound interested, vary the pitch and speed.

Types of Interview

Panel

Groups of experts, or people who disagree with one another, come over well on radio. Doing this form of interview is harder to get attention.  Speakers need to speak out at the right moment and be that little bit more forceful.

Down the line

Difficult!  In this type of interview the interviewee sits in solitary confinement, totally remote from the interviewer and any other participants.  Just pretend you are oh the phone.

Telephone

This method gives radio producers an easy way of interviewing all sorts of people at short notice, at any time of the day and in any location.

It is also a popular way of obtaining the view of the general public on phone-in programmes.

Used properly, the telephone can provide a good avenue to get the information across.  All that is needed is some preparation beforehand.

At home or at the office you can choose how to sit and which room to use.  Don’t forget to avoid interruptions and deflect any incoming calls.