Interview Formats for Radio

There are many different interview formats for radio and each will have different demands on you as the guest expert. Understand your format and you'll be well prepared.

Face-to-face pre-tape
This taped interview is done in person, edited and aired later, sometimes as part of a report, sometimes in its entirety.
- Be prepared with key messages and special quotes
- Speak clearly, but naturally. Vary the pace and inflection of your voice.
- Sit comfortably.
- Avoid jargon, technical terms, statistics and too many facts.
- Speak conversationally and avoid being verbose - don't read notes.
- Be careful of shuffling paper noises.
- Use short anecdotes and examples that enhance your "story."
- If the reporter's tone turns nasty, don't match it.
- Don't be afraid to make the same main point a few times throughout the interview.

Live in-studio or telephone interview
No editing here, this kind of interview goes on the air live.
- Remember, message, message, message!
- Arrive in advance so you don't sound out of breath. If you are nervous, take three deep breaths.
- It's a conversation. Try to enjoy it (you can use humour if it's appropriate).
- Turn off your cell phone.
- Remember that you are talking to the program's listeners, not the host.

Live or pre-tape with other guests
With this format, the reporter interviews a group of experts, each of whom represents different points of view on the topic at hand. Be ready for confrontation or controversy.
- Know what key messages/points you want to make and look for opportunities to insert this information during the conversation.
- Avoid a dogfight on air. Deliver your argument clearly and conversationally.


Live call-in
After a brief discussion with the reporter, listeners will call in with questions for you. - Be ready to answer difficult questions.
- Be prepared with your key messages and some illustrative examples and/or anecdotes.
- Be prepared with messages and stories in case callers are slow to call.
- Respect the caller. Be polite.
- You can insert comments such as "That's a good point but in practice" (and then move to your key message).
- Always keep your tone friendly. You might want to say: "I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree." or "I'm sorry I can't persuade you, but here are some facts that show another picture...."

Radio news interview
Probably the shortest interview type; clips of an interview with you will be put into short radio news items. You will want to prepare messages in 20-second (maximum) clips.
- Be prepared in advance with one or two strong "quotable quotes" (your main messages condensed down to single sentences) and don't be afraid to repeat these.
- Reporters will look for sound clips that offer emotion, controversy and gripping examples. Typically, they will paraphrase any facts you present and use clips of you saying your "quotable quotes."
- Never say anything is "off the record" as it never is.

Documentary interviews
Longer interviews with great messaging opportunity.
- Documentary producers are also looking for good clips. Be prepared with anecdotes or short stories that illustrate your key points.
- If you feel tired etc., take a break. If you don't, you may share information you did not mean to share.