10 Tips For A Great Radio Interview

Live radio interviews, despite their challenging nature, can be a great way to solidify your brand’s public image. You can connect with a large audience using the power of words, unlike TV interviews, where your appearance matters too. 

In TV interviews, visual elements and body language can overshadow the actual message. On the other hand, radio interviews eliminate visual distractions, so your listeners can focus solely on the content of the conversation.

Here are 10 tips for a great radio interview: 

1. Start Strongly

Radio interviews are typically brief, often around two and a half minutes long. Grab the audience's attention right from the start. Jump into your key message immediately to hook listeners who might be multitasking while tuning in.

2. Keep Pleasantries Brief

A simple "hello" is good enough. Lengthy greetings can waste your brand’s precious airtime and may come off as unengaging. Focus on delivering content that captures the audience's interest from the outset, so don’t be afraid to start with something controversial. 

3. Bring Energy and Enthusiasm

Your voice needs to reflect passion and excitement about the subject. Match or exceed the energy levels of the interviewer to keep the listeners engaged. A monotone delivery can quickly lead to disinterest. 

4. Be Authentic

Use conversational language as if you were speaking to a friend or colleague. Personal anecdotes and stories can make your points more relatable and memorable. If you can include any trend or joke in your words, it can help you relate to a broader audience. 

5. Avoid Rambling

Long-winded answers are challenging to follow and may be edited out if the interview is pre-recorded. If live, it will just cause the audience to change channels. Keep your responses under 30 seconds to maintain clarity and control over the conversation. Do not repeat the same information twice. 

6. Handle Notes Wisely

You want to sound natural, authentic, and confident. If you rely too much on notes, your speech can sound scripted and stiff. Just write buzz words and short pieces of information on your notes, so you have to make up your own sentences and engage in the dialogue. 

7. Do Your Homework

Research the interviewer and the show. Understand their style and audience and use words that they are more likely to understand. You can also learn a bit about the interviewer’s background to add a personal touch and get a better insight into potential questions and their directions. 

8. Have a Clear Goal

Before you enter the interview room, finalize what you want the audience to take away from your message. Whether it’s changing their perception or prompting action, the message will act as a guide in directing the conversation. 

9. Convey Warmth

A friendly and warm tone is always well-received. Smile while you talk; it naturally brings warmth to your voice that listeners can perceive.  

10. Prepare for the Camera

Many radio stations now record interviews on video for social media or other platforms. Maintain a positive and professional body language. 

New to radio interviews? Bulletproof Media Training’s personalized media training is just the right fit for you. Message us to schedule a free consultation.