How to cope successfully with your radio interview.
The following points will help you come across to your radio audience clearly.
What do you do if you’re asked by a journalist for an interview? Before responding, make sure you know who, why, where and when the interview is going to take place. As with most things in business, those companies that prepare stand the best chance of success.
Of course the topic of the interview is of paramount importance. Don’t assume you know what it is. Check with the producer or interviewer in advance.
What is the interviewer like? What is their style? What is their reputation? What can you expect? Check recordings if possible to make sure there are no surprises.
Practice delivering your key points. Prepare your interview plan and practice again.
Make sure you arrive at the interview in plenty of time to get used to your surroundings. Don’t arrive out of breath.
It’s perfectly OK to take notes into the interview with you to refer to. These should be at least the main points you want to convey.
Your interviewer may be too busy to greet you properly when you arrive. Don’t be put off by this. They have many things to concentrate on before the interview airs.
Headphones can put you off if you’re not used to them, so best avoid them unless it’s a talk-back show.
If the red light’s on, you’re “on”! Be careful what you say at all times, even though you may think the interview’s over.
Speak into the microphone. Too far away and you will sound faint and weak. When you’re close you will come across strongly, which is what you want of course.
If you stay around 10cm from the microphone during the interview that should be about right. Don’t pull away.
It’s perfectly acceptable to cough during the interview if you have to. Turn away from the mike though.
Be confident and especially smile when on the radio. Your audience will hear it in your voice.
You may find you need a copy of your interview later, so try to record it or obtain a copy.
And lastly, be courteous and thank your interviewer.
Succeed with your TV Interview
Here are 5 more tips to help make your TV interview a success.
Where possible, go live!
Ensure your television interview location is relevant to your topic.
You may find that aids like photos, drawings, tables and graphs help you get your story across better.
For recorded interviews, keep your answers concise (around 20 secs max.) to avoid the potential risks of editing.
On reflection, you may find you’re not happy with some of the answers you gave. Ask for the interview to be repeated.
In addition to the radio tips given above, here are 3 points to help you succeed with a press interview.
Frequently press interviews will be over the phone. Be in control by being prepared. Have your notes ready with key points and phrases. And remember that it is you that is setting the agenda, not them.
If you have background material and briefing notes to give to the interviewer, you are better able to control the way the interview is reported.
Again, record the interview if possible.
An established London based business adviser, Roberta Y Keith recommends London PR to businesses searching for a London PR Agency and need to save themselves both time and money. London PR Services range from full-service to highly specialist PR Services.