8.6 Interviews

12 May 2009


Sending out a press release with the full details of any news may result in coverage in the newspaper or on the radio. If a journalist requires further information or is particularly interested in the story, you could be asked to give an interview on behalf of the NGB.

 

 

Preparing For Interviews

First, find out as much as you can about what you are being asked to say:

  • Ask the interviewer what areas they want to discuss - they may not tell you exactly what questions they will ask but they should give you an idea of what they want to cover. You may even be able to suggest some areas to cover yourself
  • Ask how long the interview will last
  • Check what type of article or programme it will be used for - e.g. news, profile article, talk show, etc
  • Find out whether anyone else is being interviewed at the same time or on the same topic
  • If the interview is for radio, check whether the interview will be live or pre recorded, and ask how long they expect the interview to last
  • Familiarise yourself with the programme - e.g. the format, the presenter's name, the producer


Be proactive and think about what you want to say, and what information you want to get across. Being prepared will give you more confidence, but don't over prepare; allow yourself room to be flexible:

  • Think about who your audience is, and who you want to reach
  • Write down a few key words to remind you of the points you want to make but don't write a full script
  • Try to illustrate your points with examples, anecdotes or comparisons, it helps people to understand
  • Jot down the NGB's telephone number and/or email address so that you can give it out on air, or give it to the journalist to include in the article

 

 

On The Day

If you are being interviewed face to face, at home or in the office:

  • Make sure you won't be interrupted - take the phone off the hook, get somebody to stand guard at the door - especially if it is a radio interview


If you are being interviewed on the phone:

  • Use a landline not a mobile
  • Use a phone without "call waiting" services as this may disturb the interview


If you are going into a radio station:

  • Give yourself plenty of time to get there, and try to arrive twenty minutes before you are due to be interviewed
  • Be prepared to be kept waiting as programmes do not necessary stick to original schedules

 

 

Additional Tips For Radio Interviews

  • Sit about thirty centimetres/twelve inches away from the microphone
  • Don't fidget, tap you fingers or rustle papers
  • Ensure you have a glass of water available in the studio
  • Keep your sentences short and simple, don't waffle and use everyday conversational language
  • Avoid "ums" and "ers" if you can
  • Try not to leave long pauses
  • Stay calm, don't be rushed, breathe normally and give yourself time
  • Try to slow down your normal speech and speak clearly. Don't put on a special voice
  • Be positive and upbeat in your tone, vary the pitch of your voice and use emphasis to highlight key phrases
  • If it is a pre-recorded interview, find out in advance if it is going to be edited
  • If you make a mistake, don't worry, carry it and just carry on

 

 

After The Interview

  • Find out when the interview is going to be printed or broadcast
  • Exchange contact names and numbers with the producer/reporter in case either of you need to check anything at a later date