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by Donna Anselmo
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If you’re thinking about appearing on radio, you’re probably also
wondering how to make the most of your radio interview. Here are a few tips to
help you prepare:
BEFORE THE
SHOW
·
Listen to past segments of the show.
Get a sense of how the host conducts interviews. Learn what is important to
him/her. Make sure you know what’s important to you.
·
Jot your top 3 to 10 interview points
down on note cards, one point per card. Use the cards as memory joggers.
Instead of writing complete sentences, prepare to speak from the heart, and let
your message flow along with the interview.
·
Practice speaking in short 30-second sound
bites. This will provide opportunities for the radio host to piggyback comments
and ask questions.
·
Arrive
early. Whether you are connecting by phone, Skype or in-person, be at your
“station” about 10 minutes early. Take a deep breath, relax and prepare to “live
in the moment” of your interview.
·
Keep a
glass or bottle of water handy in case your throat feels dry. If you must cough
or clear your throat, turn away from the phone or microphone.
·
If you are calling in to the show, use
a landline whenever possible, for better reception. Turn off other phones, TVs,
radios, and units that create background noise.
·
Speak right into the telephone. Stay in
one location while you are on the air. Don’t walk around with the phone.
·
If you will be in the studio, you will
be seated at a counter with a microphone and headset. The engineer will be in
the next room. The engineer will manage sound quality and air time.
·
Find
out when your show will air. Use Social Media to tell friends, clients and
colleagues when to listen. Invite them to hear your live stream at
TalkNetworkRadio.com (if you are not pre-recording.)
·
Let people in your home or office know
in advance when and how long you will be on the air; instruct them not to
interrupt you.
DURING THE
SHOW
·
Communicate
in simple terms. The host has invited you because your topic is of interest and
has the potential to help and/or entertain the audience. Avoid using jargon or
being to salesy.
·
Listen carefully!
When you hear, the host make a comment or ask a question, complete your
sentence or thought quickly. The
host is responsible for managing the interview and timing.
·
Smile.
It will make you feel good and sound approachable.
·
Relax. Think of the interview as a
conversation with the host, rather
than a presentation to thousands. Concentrate on j being yourself, and your
authenticity will connect with listeners.
·
Infuse
energy into your voice! Standing up can boost your energy.
·
Provide
contact information (website, email and/or phone number).
AFTER THE SHOW
·
Celebrate
your good work! Then, Get Social!
Let friends, clients and colleagues know you have been interviewed and provide
them with a link. Also, mention your interview in your press kit. If you don’t
have a press kit, consult with a marketing or public relations firm who can
help you develop a kit, and get your message out.
