Radio interviews
Radio is probably the most enjoyable form of interview and always leaves me with a good feeling afterwards. In most countries radio has a deeper audience penetration than any other medium; you can find people listening to radio in their offices, kitchens, in the fields and yes, half way up a mountain!
There are also lots of different places in which you might be interviewed:
- In the studio – you go to them where the studio provides the best sound profile
- Remote studio – often a cupboard like room in a public place where you will find a microphone, headphones and little else
- The radio car – really only reserved for VIPs of people who they want to interview urgently
- Over the phone – very common these days as telephone systems have improved so much
- On location – it could be your office, in the fields or the factory floor.
As with all forms of media interview it’s all about preparation .
Wherever you are two things are very important in a radio interview – sound and your voice.
Sound
Radio interviews are all about sound. Sound can distract as well as add value.
- If they come to you, then make sure that you use an office or room where it doesn’t sound hollow or echoes when you speak
- If the walls are bare the sound recorder will pick up a hollow sound; a room with lots of coverings is good, a small room is even better
- Switch off all machinery, unplug phones faxes and switch off computers; all of them could make noises mid interview. Also ensure you are not interrupted.
Sound can also be good. If part of a longer package then sometimes the reporter likes to take some background noise. So offer to take them around your site, people talking, PA systems, factory floor and the noise of traffic all sound good and enhance the piece. So always offer to give them additional sound opportunities if wanted.
The Interview
If the interview is on site then expect to sit close to the reporter. They may have one microphone only, so they will sit knee to knee with you as they ask questions into the microphone and then thrust it at you for your answer.
Where the interview is being taped (rather than live) the interviewer may ask you some questions first. Then rehearse the answer with you before they tape your answer. This is because they don’t want to have to edit the piece when they get back to the studio. It also means that it makes the interview a little easier for you.
In the studio you will be asked to don headphones and sit in front of a microphone. The DJ or interviewer may be busy doing lots of other things as they keep the programme live and eye contact may be minimal. Don’t worry, listen carefully, be ready for your cue and when they start asking the question have your answer well prepared.
Radio is very fast and immediate. Most interview can be for a 20 second soundbite. If it’s a package then it could take as long as three minutes. I am used to being telephoned at the office and being asked for a comment. “You are going live in fifteen minutes can we come back to you on this phone?” Then you have just fifteen minutes to get your thoughts ordered and on paper. The telephone rings, the researcher or producer will do a sound check with you and almost immediately you will hear the interviewer giving a brief introduction before greeting you and asking the first question. In a flash it is over and the producer is thanking you and putting down the phone. It is often as quick as that!
With telephone interview make sure you switch all sounds off, especially the radio which can make horrid squawking noise if left on.
In remote studios you do it al yourself. Very often you walk into a cubicle. There will be a desk with a microphone in the centre and a set of headphones. There will also be an instruction sheet. Follow the instructions, often to switch on the equipment, make yourself comfortable and wait. Eventually the producer will contact you, do sound checks and the interview will start. In such circumstances you can tale notes; but beware paper makes a horrid noise so only use one sheet, lay it on the desk where you can read it and then don’t tough it. Also plant your feet during the interview, knocking the desk or the microphone can ruin an interview and sound like an explosion in your ears.
Phone ins can also be fun. You may be in a remote studio or in the radio station studio receiving telephone calls from the public. Its immediate and you have no idea what the next question will be. Beware; sometimes it can be tempting to be contemptuous or rude to a caller. Keep your cool, however heavily provoked and use it to your advantage by defending yourself/your organisation with dignity.
Your voice
- Don’t put on a radio voice
- Do speak up and make sure that you pronounce words properly.
- Don’t um and ah, stay silent until you are ready to answer
- Smile as you answer, it changes the tone of your voice.
There is a big difference between knowing the theory and making it happen. For help in implementing your communications practices email us now.
