Do you need guidance on how to ace a radio interview? Radio continues to thrive in the media sector, despite the emergence of several digital forms.
Radio offers the unique advantage of being a medium that one can enjoy at any time and in any place due to its mobility and ease of access. The portability of radio makes it possible to listen even when other forms of media aren’t ideal, such as while driving.
On a weekly basis, more than 10.5 million Australians tune in to a commercial radio station. Since radio is a powerful channel for broadcasting, you should be well-prepared to do a radio interview if the opportunity presents itself.
There are tricks and strategies for a radio spot.
Preparing for the Interview:
Get a good education
Investigate the radio station thoroughly, just like you would for a job interview. You can usually find previous interviews that the host has done online, so you can get a better feel for the show, the host’s style, and the interview’s overall tone and perspective.
Determine the exact spot and settle in
Determine the exact location of the interview. There is a wide variety of formats for radio interviews, including live in studio, phone, and OB (outside broadcast). If you need to travel for the interview, ensure that you provide sufficient time to go there. Prepare for the interview in the studio or over the phone by relaxing and having good connectivity. Avoid using a cell phone if at all feasible; instead, look for a landline.
Is it live or recorded?
You should know if the interview is going to be live or pre-recorded. Knowing the pros and cons of both types of interviews is crucial. Pre-recorded interviews allow you to repeat your responses, providing additional time for error correction. Pre-records, unless they are news grabs, are typically presented as “live.” So, you shouldn’t depend on them. Things change when the interview is live…
Planning and practicing
Make a list of everything you want to say and then underline the three most important terms to help you remember them in case you forget. Despite knowing what you want to remember, live TV makes it difficult. Also, jot down any names, numbers, or other factual information that could slip your mind while you’re under time constraints.
Improving your ability to convey ideas effectively is another wise move. This is not an excuse to talk quickly; on the contrary, it encourages you to communicate clearly and slowly without rambling on.
Get there ahead of schedule
If you arrive early, you can participate in sound checks. Plus, you may meet the radio station employees and suggest subjects to the presenter as you listen. Because it is natural to feel anxious, this time will provide you the opportunity to relax and unwind.
As the interview progresses:
Restate your original message
Your program’s beginning audience will likely leave at the end. Midway through, other listeners will jump in. As a result, be sure to reiterate your key points or themes many times during the interview. To avoid repeating yourself, try expressing your ideas in multiple ways. Make sure to provide the full name of the organization you are representing. Additionally, be genuine and use the interviewer’s name to personalize it (if it’s a show, not news).
Maintain your efforts
Keep moving forward even if you make a mistake. Even if you’re a worried mess on the inside, put on an assured front. Before you talk, take a few deep breaths to help you relax and gather your thoughts. Stay on track, have a firm grasp on your topic, and give serious consideration to the main points you want to express. Be conversational because you’re addressing the host and listener. Listening to the radio allows time to pass quickly.
Keep in mind the power you have
Conducting an interview is a lot like performing. Make an effort to seem casual, unprepared, and genuine. To avoid coming off as lifeless and uninteresting, make an effort to equal or slightly surpass the host’s energy level while expressing emotion. Keep your composure and avoid making any strange faces, as many radio stations also air visual broadcasts of the performance online.
Don’t rely on the announcer to make the announcement
If you are performing a radio interview for promotional purposes, you should make sure to mention the information a few times throughout the conversation. While the vast majority of presenters are experts at directing viewers to your website, a small number of them aren’t. Do not go overboard; instead, focus on providing listeners with engaging information that is not only promotional.
Take notes on what you’ve learned since the interview
After your interview, you may usually listen to the broadcast online. Pay close attention to identify areas where you can improve. Do not pressure yourself to do well on your first interview. No interview is perfect.
Maintain contact
Remember to maintain contact following your interview. Consider including your contact information in a thank-you email. In the body of the message, briefly state that you would be pleased to provide further commentary on any news events or issues related to your expertise. Inform the announcer and their producers about this.
Things to keep in mind
- Express yourself clearly and concisely.
- Responses such as “That’s a good question” or “I’m glad you asked me that” are inappropriate. Go ahead and answer the question.
- Do not wait for the right question. It may never come. Figure out how to convey your message without using it.
- A brighter voice is the result of smiling when speaking.
- Stay away from complexity and stick to terms that regular people can comprehend.
Has the radio interviewed you? How did you find it?
