FACE FOR RADIO? - How To Give A Great Radio Interview

There're lots of different types of radio IVs – from the expert interview, the podcast laugh-alongs to the dreaded telephone IV (by far the hardest option). Here’s some Speechy advice on how to nail it.

1 – PREPARE - Obvious but most guests don’t do it.

As ex-TV producers, we know all too well how often guests rock up with no clue. This is despite pre-broadcast research chats and even helpful background notes sent across to them. ‘Experts’ and ‘celebrities’ are the worst; overly confident and underprepared. Annoying in other words!

So, make sure you’re clued up before you’re on-air. You're more likely to be booked again and be put on the BBC expert database if you do!

Research the show you’re appearing on. Listen to the style of it. Speak to the show’s producer to make sure you have a clear understanding of what the subject matter is and what the team are expecting of you.

Understand how long you will be allocated on air so you can tailor your content and make sure you get the key points across. It's likely you'll only have a couple of minutes if you've been given national air-time, a bit longer if it's regional.

Find out how you will be introduced – what title will they be using, how will they be putting you into context. Are you expected to talk on a variety of matters a la One Show? Or, are you being lined up to debate with another guest? If so, google the hell out of them and youtube them in action.

Once you are clear on the remit, allocate time to properly research your subject matter. Pick out 3 surprising facts or points you want to get across.

2 – TELL GOOD STORIES - Even if your timeslot is limited make sure your contribution is vivid and comes to life.

No matter what your subject matter and no matter how incredible your stats – you need to make it real.

Put your points into a human context. Stories are naturally the most engaging form of conversation – and persuasive as a result. It increases empathy and people love storytellers, not statisticians.

We were once invited on to a radio show for a 5 min chat and were kept there almost an hour because we told a couple of good stories - all related to Speechy and great promotion.

3 – SMILE - Seems odd (seeing as no one can see you) but a smile is still visible over the airwaves (or your Sonos speaker).

Your voice will sound friendlier, and if you’re in the studio alongside the presenter, this will clearly have an effect on the flow of your conversation.

4 – TALK SLOWER - No matter how comfortable you are, remember a radio interview is not a chat with a mate. Be conscious not to talk over anyone.

Of course, if you’re feeling nervous, that's even more reason to talk slower than feels natural. It automatically makes you sound more confident than you really are.

On that note, if you're being interviewed in an ‘expert’ capacity, beware imposter syndrome! Your nerves will be insisting you’re not qualified, but the fact is, you’ve been booked as an expert which means you are!

Be conscious to avoid "blank words" such as "like", "um", etc. It's fine to pause and think when you have to. And if you do accidentally say one of these blank words, don’t panic!

5 – GET YOUR POINT ACROSS - Whether it’s a plug for your SME that you want, or winning an on-air debate – you need to plan your killer move in advance.

You also need to look for opportunities. How can you steer the conversation away from areas you know nothing about, on to areas that you do. A simple ‘Something I thought was interesting was…’ or 'I recently discovered...' may suffice.

Of course, make sure you’re not just talking for the sake of it. That never sounds persuasive and risks you looking like an overbearing buffoon.

6 – REMEMBER THE PRESENTER IS IN CHARGE - Respect the presenter and they will help you.

Don’t talk over others; interjecting seems even ruder when it’s on radio and the audience can’t see the visual cues of conversation.

Do not feel the need to fill any silence. If you come to the end of your thought, stop there rather than fill up the air-time. The presenter is there to maintain the conversational flow – not you!

7 - FINAL THOUGHT - If you have the final word, summarize the good points made in the discussion – even if they’re not yours. Sure, give the original speaker credit, but it will be you that the audience will remember.

Of course, no matter how heated the conversation, finish on a positive note, and if poss, some humour. 

If you feel you need some delivery coaching in advance of any public speaking - get in touch with the Speechy team at [email protected] or speak to Heidi directly on 07971 225 245