Preparation for Effective Interviewing on Radio

Preparation for Effective Interviewing on Radio

A good interview on radio or on any medium begins with effective preparation. Finding the proper preparation process is a great habit for any broadcaster to adopt.

The chances of achieving success in all of the most successful projects can be often be attributed to proper preparation. In the world of sport, its fair to say, the longer a sports person spends time practicing their particular sport and preparing properly for an event, the chances of being successful in that event often increases. There are parallels with the world of radio.

Preparation is Paramount

Before even thinking of a potential interview topic or contacting a potential interviewee or picking up a telephone to set up an interview, the programme maker could consider a number of avenues of research to determine:

• Interested media including radio that may provide an outlet for the interview
• The potential or possible audience
• The interests and concerns of that audience
• The availability and practicalities of contacting interviewees
• The relevance of the subject, the accessibility of research and the interviewees’ knowledge
• Any additional possible sources of research, the web, libraries, company information, word of mouth etc.

There may be a number of reasons an interview becomes either essential or even desirable. It may be a project or a programme on its own merits or a significant contributor to an already planned programme. The interview is one of the cornerstones of radio broadcasting and provides an exceptionally smooth way of bringing human interaction and contact into a medium otherwise controlled by an all too often one-dimensional presenter.

Before Contacting the Interview Subject

The interviewer before even thinking about asking for an interview or arranging an interview should first decide:

• The most suitable subjects for the interview
• Why the person or persons are being interviewed
• When the interview is planned to take place, or a deadline date
• How to contact the interviewee

And before making any contact, either by telephone of in person:

• Rehearse the call or the meeting
• Finalise the objectives of the interview request
• Write down the interviewee’s name, any important facts from research and objectives in a logical order
• Be prepared to call back or re-arrange the meeting
• The object of the call or the meeting is to get the potential interviewee to agree to the interview. To get a ‘yes,’ and once the subject has agreed to be interview in whatever the format a number of different options present themselves.

The Different Types of Interview.

Varying styles of interview may be more appropriate for different types of both subject matter and the person being interviewed. The reason for the interview is generally NEVER for the benefit of either the person who has set-up and arranged the interview nor for the person who has agreed to be interviewed but always certainly in the world of radio, for the benefit of the listener.

For the subject matter to be entertaining or informative or both in audio terms it is always worth considering the best format and place for the recording. This may be dictated by necessity or practicality, but often consideration of the different types sets the interview in the correct context.

• Vox Pops. A snap shot of public opinion where various members of the public are asked usually the same question to canvas their views.
• The Expert interview: a person knowledgeable on the subject is asked their views or to explain the subject in more simple terms.
• The Personality Interview: A big name or celebrity is interviewed about themselves to provide biographical detail of recent or past events.
• The Eyewitness interview: very common in news reporting, someone who as at the event or on the scene at the time of the event.
• Interviewed By connection: a person with a link however remote to either an event or another person is interviewed largely and only because of their connection.
• Commentary Interview: Interviewee is asked their views, or to state their opinions or offer an explanation as an expression of views: often used in the political arena.

The type of interview dictates the style that an interviewee, and consequently often the subject, adopts and can vary from confrontational to friendly, quiet to aggressive. Each should be appropriate to that style. It’s not often for example that political interviews are friendly and whimsical.

Listen

Bearing in mind all the above a good radio interview properly prepared contains two essential elements more than any other. Good research and a Good listener.

A Radio Interviewer needs to have two main skills; how to ask the right questions in the right way, and how to listen.

The first and most important part of any interview, the interviewer especially should always remember is that in every interview there are human beings involved. With so many other areas to concentrate on like deadlines, technical equipment, outside pressures from PR people, editor’s demands, celebrity foibles, the interviewer’s own assumptions and not least the listeners’ expectations, the human aspect of an interview is often forgotten.

The Two Sides to an Interview.

Essentially the best interview is a conversation the listener is invited to listen in to, and there are two important parts to every good radio interview. Firstly the person asking the questions and the person or persons answering them, and secondly the way in which they these two parties interact with each other. This interaction is the essence of a ‘great’ interview, and it should fulfil a number of prerequisites:

• Answers the questions the listener most wants answered
• Tells the listener something they perhaps didn’t know about the interviewee
• Be entertaining, revealing and interesting
• The interviewer should be well informed about the subject
• And the Interviewer should always be in control

The Skills of the Interviewer.

Asking the right questions in the right situation is a skill not given to many but with a bit of practice and a lot of work, learning the skills necessary to interview effectively can be achieved. The person asking the questions shoulders most of the responsibility, starting the conversation and guiding it through a logical path of their making to some sensible conclusion. They should possess or learn the following skills at least:

• Be not just a good listener but a great listener
• Be able to structure the interview and ask the questions in a logical order
• Ask follow up questions when relevant and pertinent
• Can adapt the interview to follow interesting divergences
• Knows when to ask why, and get the most out of the answers
• And has the ability to let the interviewee respond

Arranging the Interview.

Part of the skill of getting the best interview is also choosing the right participants and allowing them to express themselves. Not every subject taking part in an interview is a seasoned media professional or even wants to be interviewed, so setting up the interview requires careful planning. There are obviously many varied and differing kinds of interview situation but whatever the subject, there should be a certain amount of initial preparation. The interviewer will:

• Have a firm idea of the reason for the interview
• Ensure the subject is articulate and able to express themselves
• Choose the subject, and although they may not be an acknowledged expert, may offer an alternative viewpoint
• Ask open ended questions, and have a pre-prepared list of questions and possible follow up questions to hand
• Ensures the conversation follows a logical path, and keeps proceedings simple and direct leading to a recognised conclusion.

Although interview styles vary widely, it’s the responsibility of the interviewer to create a climate where the person being interviewed, or engaged in conversation is able fully to take part and doesn’t feel intimidated, controlled or cajoled into only what the interviewer wants. They have some say, an equal role being the main interest for the listener. A good interviewer never forgets this fact.

Hints for Good Interviewing

Many novice writers and reporters often wonder how to conduct an interview when they receive an assignment that requires this form of research. Read on to learn more.

Interviewing is a vital part of any writer’s skill set. Interviews are a primary source of first-hand information, and multiple interviews may be necessary in order to inform just one story.

Understanding how to conduct an interview, how to ask questions, and how to make your interviewee feel at ease is key for writers who plan to conduct an interview. And the better the interviewer, the better the information that will be gleaned from the discussion.

Ensure Full Disclosure and Obtain Consent

Many novice reporters and writers may fail to mention that they are affiliated with a news organization, particularly in more informal settings. But in adhering to the journalist’s basic code of ethics, a journalist must always identify himself prior to beginning the information collecting process. All statements made prior to disclosure are ineligible for publication or for use as sourcing, in accordance with ethical codes.

In addition, all on-the-record conversations that could potentially be utilized to inform a report or written piece must begin with full disclosure of name, affiliation and the fact that the interview is on-the-record and statements made during the conversation may be published or broadcast. Some individuals may not wish to speak with a reporter or writer and they reserve the right to deny a request for an interview. Failing to mention that one is a reporter or writer is deceptive and poor practice that leaves the individual and the publication or news organization open to litigation.

Also, anytime a person’s voice or image is going to be recorded or photographed, the subject must be notified before the recording commences and they must give explicit consent.

Conduct the Interview Conversationally

A conversational, yet professional tone is ideal when it comes to conducting interviews. It’s a delicate balance, though, between informality and formality. Informal interviewing skills – an interviewer who talks about himself, interrupts the interviewee, or shares their opinion on an issue will convey a lack of professionalism. On the other hand, remaining overly formal and stone cold will trigger nerves on the part of the interviewee. Instead, make the subject feel at ease by keeping the tone light, friendly, yet professional.

Do Not Work from a List of Questions

Working from a set list of questions will harm an interviewer’s credibility with the interviewee in many instances. Asking a question that has, in essence, already been answered alongside another inquiry will make it appear as though the interviewee is not paying attention, and this will make the subject feel unease in many cases. So instead, prepare a list of points to discuss; this list of points should guide the conversation. Resist the urge to write out questions; question lists are typically quite ineffective, particularly since the interviewer doesn’t always know all of the topics and points that will be discussed at an interview. A good interviewer needs to be able to develop questions as the conversation progresses.

Ask Open Ended Questions

Failure to ask open ended questions will not only make for a very short interview with one or two word answers, but this method is also frowned upon since it involves the interviewer essentially putting words in the subject’s mouth. Let the interviewee explain the answers in his/her own way. Suggestive or leading questions are viewed as unprofessional and the interviewer may be mistakenly perceived as manipulative or deceptive.

Avoid asking, “I hear you’re firing 20 employees at the factory. Is this true?” Not only will the interviewer receive a one-word answer since the subject is not asked to elaborate, but a leading question presumes a particular answer. And this presumption may not be entirely accurate. Instead, interviewers should ask an open-ended question that does not presume a particular answer, such as, “Could you describe your personnel situation at the company?”

Practice Note-Taking Skills

A seasoned reporter can accurately transcribe a conversation as it’s spoken. This is ideal when it comes to a reporter or writer’s skills, since audio tapes take additional time to transcribe. Practice note-taking skills by transcribing conversations on the television and rewind to see how accurate the notes really are. Practice will aid a slow note-taker when it comes to improving speed and accuracy.

To remain focused on the interview, only write down the main points of the conversation when taking notes. There’s no need to transcribe an entire interview word-for-word; instead, transcribe only select statements for use as a quotation.

If one’s note-taking skills are still sub-par, consider using a tape recorder as a safety net, but continue to take notes. Many valuable interviews have been lost over the years because a recording was damaged or lost.

Don't Write Down Off-the-Record Information

When information that's off-the-record is included in a reporter's notes, the chance that this information will be accidentally published increases exponentially. And publishing or airing off-the-record facts is a sure-fire way to get a reputation as a deceptive or untrustworthy interviewer. Instead, omit off-the-record information from notes or, strike through an already-written note with a line to indicate that the information is off-limits.

Research The Interviewee

Going into an interview, the interviewer must have some basic knowledge about the individual, organization, company, etc. that is going to be discussed or referenced in the interview. Visiting related websites and reading over related press releases can help inform the interviewer, enabling him or her to ask more hard-hitting, effective questions. If there is no information available in advance, begin the interview by requesting background information, as this will help foster a greater understanding on the interviewer's part.

In sum, a quality interviewer will combine specialized skill with common sense. Interviewers must always remember that first and foremost, they are speaking with another human being and therefore, remaining conversational is key. Interviewers can also practice with family members and friends to better hone their interviewing skills.

Perhaps most importantly, the interviewer must focus on what’s actually being said, lest they fail to ask the necessary questions that are needed to ensure an accurate and interesting article or broadcast. And don’t hesitate to ask the hard questions – that’s what will differentiate a mediocre interview from the incredible interview.