Useful interview tips for the presenter
- 1. USEFUL INTERVIEW TIPS FOR THE PRESENTER
- 2. FIND OUT THE LOCATION Firstly you need to find out where the interview will be taking place, it could either be on the telephone or on the radio. If you are going to be doing it at the radio station then make sure you have enough time to get there because you don’t want to late. If its on the telephone make sure you are in a room so there are no distractions or noises.
- 3. Will it be live or pre-recorded You have to be aware that both types of interview are completely different. If it is able to be pre-recorded then you will have the chance to do it again if you make mistakes, but if it is live then there are no second chances I REPEAT NO SECOND CHANCES, you will have to be able to twist things around so that your audience don’t recognise the mistake too much.
- 4. DO SOME RESEARCH You must find out about the interview and the audience otherwise you’ll get nowhere. You will need to know the nature of the interview and understand what your audience like, who listens to your station and how long the interview is going to be for. These are all relevant because it allows you to connect with the audience and have a heads up about the topics.
- 5. BE PREPARED FOR INTERVIEWEES Consider whether anyone else will be participating in the interview, and be open minded about their views because they might not have the same interpretations like you. Also, you need to think about criticisms you might face and how you can respond to it in a positive way.
- 6. WHAT QUESTIONS? Make sure that you are always prepared when you are put on the spot because sometimes the audience can ask questions that you are not always allowed to respond to in the way you want to although as journalist you have a right. But in this situation simply say “I’m sorry, I’m not in a position to answer that but what I can say is…” and then repeat one of your main points. Simple as that!
- 7. STICK TO YOUR MAIN POINTS Next, write three key points that you would like to make during your interview. Keep repeating these throughout to ensure your message gets heard.
- 8. AVOID NERVOUS HABITS Sometimes you can get a little nervous and start with the ‘ um’s and ‘ahhs’, so to resolve this some journalists use “sound bites” this allows a little audio clip to play during the time for your new bulletins. This gives you the chance to calm your nerves and keeps your audience entertained for the time being.
- 9. STAY HYDRATED AND COMFORTABLE Always keep a glass at hand and don’t shuffle your paperwork and avoid tight- fitting clothing and sit comfortably and upright with your feet flat on the floor. This will make you feel more comfortable within yourself and even make the audience feel relaxed too.
- 10. BE YOURSELF Be friendly and open with your audience it makes them want to interact with you more and use informal and everyday language. Also pretend that you are talking to one person and always keep to the point so that you don’t waffle.
- 11. KEEP YOUR COOL Don’t blow your temper or sound defensive. Try to link it back to the positive aspects and never resort to any negative attacks. MOST IMPORTANTLY HAVE FUN!