Radio Interview Techniques

Most radio interviews are taped over the telephone. Sometimes the reporter tucks the mouthpiece under his chin, making it seem like a bad connection – so don't shout into the phone.

Again, state your main point at the beginning since your interview may be heavily edited. Speak only when the interviewer is finished speaking so that your voices don't overlap. This makes it easier to cut the reporter's voice and insert a newscaster's voice later on, which sometimes happens.

If you need to pause, don't say "ahh" or "umm." Silence will be edited out – but your "ahh" may not be. Concentrate on the message to your audience, not on the reporter.

To help relax, you may want to sway in your chair, shuffle your feet quietly or keep a glass of water nearby to wet your mouth and throat.

The Telephone Interview

When a reporter calls, you should be guarded in what you say until you are certain about the purpose of the call and understand exactly what information is wanted.

Assume that your conversation is being recorded, especially if the caller is a radio newscaster. Normally, a reporter will request your permission to record your conversation, but play it safe – ask to be sure.

If the reporter asks a particularly tough question, simply say you need time to prepare a response and that you'll call back. Ask what his or her deadline is, then try to accommodate it to the extent possible.

If the questions reach a sensitive area, say that you would rather not discuss the matter over the telephone and invite the reporter to your office or headquarters.

And remember — always concentrate on what you want to say to your audience, not the reporter.

Television Interview Techniques

Try to be yourself. That may be easier said than done, especially with all of the activity and bright lights. But projecting a positive image on television is possible if you:

1. Have a clear communications objective
2. Maintain a positive approach when stating your messages
3. Look your best

About Your Appearance and Delivery

Be yourself, and keep it simple by wearing something that makes you feel comfortable. If you are a spokesperson for a specific constituency, dress to represent the constituency. For example, if you are the spokesperson for local fishermen, wearing an Armani suit may not be the best choice.

If the goal is to look professional, here are some tips:

For Men

1. Wear muted colored neckties and avoid small patterns.
2. Avoid flashy tie clasps, cuff links and other jewelry – they distort the picture.
3. Shave just before the interview, especially if you have a heavy beard.

For Women

1. Avoid white or light-colored dresses or suits – they tend to darken your face.
2. Avoid small patterns – solid colors are best.
3. Wear dark shoes instead of light.
4. Avoid wearing large flashy jewelry that may distort the screen.
5. As for makeup, your "everyday" makeup is fine for television. If you don't normally wear makeup, a light powder will help reduce shine.

General Tips for Men and Women

1. Check your appearance and smile in the mirror before you go on camera.
2. Make sure you are comfortable with the way you look, the way you are seated and the overall setting.
3. If you wear glasses, make sure they are clean. If they're photosensitive, wait until the glass is clear. If you are interviewing outside, you may want to remove your glasses if they remain dark. Don't wear sunglasses.
4. Eye Contact. Look into your interviewer's eyes most of the time, or look at fellow panelists if you are talking to them. Try to make eye contact changes smoothly. Don't look at the monitor or stare into the distance when someone else is talking. Try not to let your eyes wander or dart back and forth from the interviewer to the camera – it will make you look sneaky and disinterested.
5. Keep good posture. This sounds obvious, but remember to sit up straight – without being stiff. Keep your feet on the ground and your hands in your lap or on the arms of your chair when you are listening. Sit forward in your chair. Don't scoot back because it makes you slouch. Lean forward slightly to show interest or when you want to make a point. If standing, put your left hand by your side and use your right hand for gestures when speaking. Do not clasp your hands in front of you. To stop side-to-side swinging, put one foot half a step ahead of the other. Back and forth swaying will not be detected on camera.
6. Smile. Smiling will make you look and feel friendly, accessible and relaxed.
7. Focus on your interviewer's eyes, even if he or she is looking at his notes or stopwatch. Ignore everything else happening around you.
8. Don't let it throw you if a reporter or interviewer asks the same question twice. Simply answer the question again, perhaps more concisely. Keep your answers short because, in most cases, you will be given about 45 seconds on the air. Remember to start with your conclusion to make your main point immediately.
9. Even though you may actually be reaching millions of viewers during your interview, imagine yourself talking to a group of two or three people – quietly, in their living room. Your voice level should be pitched slightly below that of the interviewer.
10. Should a reporter try to speed up the interview by interrupting or pulling the microphone away before you finish your point, don't talk faster. Briefly state your point with every answer that you give. And if the reporter leaves the microphone under your chin after you've made your point, don't ramble on. You can always restate your main point – if it's too repetitive, it will be edited out.