How to Give a Successful Radio Interview Live or in a Studio
Consulting and coaching for your self-marketing and branding

Overview

• How to Give a Successful Radio Interview

• Consulting, Coaching and Individual Tuition

How to Give a Successful Radio Interview

You've landed the radio interview and it's time to get ready to actually do it.
Now what?
Giving an radio interview is a great opportunity but there is always an inherent risk attached if you are not sufficiently prepared.

I, myself, have personally been interviewed literally hundreds of times and a significant part of my job is to equip my clients with the skills necessary to present themselves in a professional manner when in front of the camera or microphone.
From my personal experience, I know how important it is to perform well during an interview.
Here are a few tips on how to best work with the press:
 

Be prepared

Each reporter will be looking for different aspects.
It is good to know beforehand what the interview is about.

Be prepared for the obvious questions and be flexible enough to handle questions you are not expecting to be asked.
Anticipate potentially difficult questions and prepare a fitting response.
Practicing giving answers will help you gain confidence.

Know your key messages!
 

Be concise

Use short sentences to keep your points clear.
The media will need to make edits and have to concentrate on using newsworthy and entertaining content.

If it's not a live interview, reporters will have control over which elements of your content they ultimately use and also how they use it.
The media typically work to very tight deadlines.
Make it easier for everyone and keep your answers below 30 seconds.
Short sentences are more likely to be used and will increase your chances of being called up by the press in the future as a valued interview partner.
 

Know your audience

Ask the reporter who the story is aimed at and then tailor your remarks accordingly.
It is good when your language is fitting for the group you are addressing.
It is better to avoid industry jargon in order to be understood and to save reporters from asking you for additional clarification.
Help the interviewer to understand why something is significant and why the audience should care.
Do this in a simple and straightforward language.
 

Respect your audience

Never talk down to your audience. Think of a radio interview as an intimate conversation with a friend and not a conversation with thousands.

Be authentic

Present your personality authentically, state your position clearly and keep your own self-marketing strategy in mind.
 

Be relaxed

Most people are not used to speaking impromptu.
If you're tense, the chances are that you will speak too fast, you won't breathe properly, your voice will sound strained and your pitch may even go up a few octaves.
Also, try to avoid speaking in a monotone style.
The more natural your voice sounds, the more likely it is that you'll get airtime on radio or TV as well as capture the attention of the newspaper reporter who is asking you the questions.
Often what you perceived as a mistake, the listeners won't even notice.
 

Don't read word for word from your notes

Press releases are not meant to be read out loud.
The ability to deliver your message conversationally so it comes across naturally is a skill which needs to be learnt from professional trainers.
Professional training will support you with the feedback and knowledge required to deliver your messages in a personal style.
 

Offer facts and figures

Most journalists love statistics but keep your figures brief and easily understandable.
That will give your data a better chance of being used.
 

Be engaged

Close your office door and turn your phone off so you won't be distracted during the interview.
If you are interviewed in person, remember to maintain eye contact with the reporter.
Be personable and passionate, even if it is the tenth time you have told the same anecdote.
 

Stay balanced

If you snap or lose your temper, it might appear more dramatic but you could damage your reputation and credibility.
 

Watch your body language

Body language and radio?
Why should I care when the audience can't see me?

Because your posture will influence the way you behave and talk.
A smile will change your tone and is transferred to the listeners.

Keywords

Consulting, broadcasting station, microphone, voice, language, argumentation, press interview, radio, TV, television, newspaper, coaching, brand, branding, self-promotion, plan, PR, marketing, reputation, marketing-strategy

Copyright

© 1998 - 2012 Karsten Noack: Consulting, Coaching & Training Berlin
How to present yourself and your offer successfully
Updated 05/10/12 - LBR