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.

5. Interview Techniques

Page 12 of 17

The Telephone Interview