by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
Yesterday morning, I had a great phone interview with writer and radio show host Sharon Vander Meer on KFUN in New Mexico, where I was a call-in guest. Basically, with a call-in spot on a radio show, you’re given a set time to call and a special number to phone in on. Or, sometimes, the station calls you.
I seem to have this sort of Radio Interview Curse. Apparently, I must have at least one of my children in the house when I’m on the radio. :) It’s either summer vacation, a snow day where school is canceled, or else….like yesterday…I’ve got a child home, sick.
Here’s a tip for parents who do interviews while the kids are home: explain everything. Explain that a radio interview means that you will be on the phone (that was a source of some confusion in years past), that they only need to interrupt you if it’s a true emergency (and clarify what a true emergency is), and explain that if the dog starts unexpectedly barking, to put her out in the backyard. Trust me. It’s better to be over-prepared. Put a sticky note on your closed door to remind them you’re on the radio/on the phone…they’ll forget.
I’ve also done an in-person radio interview. In some ways, the in-person radio interview was easier. On the phone, I’m always listening hard for any clues that I need to shush up and move on to the next subject. When you’re face to face with your radio interviewer, you get visual clues to wrap up a particular train of thought. (Hurry up motions).
A few tips for doing radio:
Sharon was kind enough to send me some questions in advance, which really does make life easier. The interview went really well…and there were no interruptions from my daughter, who’s happily now on the mend.
Have you done radio or podcast interviews? Have any other tips?
Elizabeth – Ah, yes! The “children-at-home” phenomenon! I’ve had that happen, too. I really like your tips for those kinds of interviews; they’re very helpful. In radio and Skype interviews I’ve done, I would only add one more thing. If you’re owned by a dog, make sure your canine companion is outside if the weather and your living situation permits. If anyone knocks on the door, you can ignore it, but your pet won’t…
Hi Elizabeth .. I see you learnt your lesson from last time – good highlights .. and am delighted the interview went well and your daughter is on the mend ..
I did do one – and had no idea how it worked and I made a complete dog’s dinner of it! Still at least one failure – means I know a microscopic something of the process. I was in the radio studio too … I shall be a good Girl Guide next time – well prepared!
Cheers Hilary
Good advice. Also you can make a list of questions to give to the interviewer with crib notes to the side just in case you have a “senior moment.” I have done this in-studio and it was welcomed by them. Remember the mic will pick up any noise so learn to handle your paper without noise. Another thing is to do a quick google of the local and/or station to find something of interest to mention, especially if you can make it short and relate to your topic. Good luck all.
Great tips, Elizabeth! Glad the interview went well and that your daughter is feeling better. :)
Haven’t done one of these. Scary. I blather. (And we don’t have radio reception up here, so I’ve never listened to these shows, although I’m sure they stream to my computer. Which would lose its connection as soon as I needed one.)
Terry
Terry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
I wouldn’t have thought about using the station’s call letters! Bet it scores points though.
Hilary–I’m sure you were fine! But you’re right, learning from our mistakes really makes the next time easier.
Laura–Thanks!
Margot–Oh, Chloe was in the guest room! Ha! Yes, she’ll bark like crazy if the doorbell rings. And, of course, the doorbell always rings the few times I’m on the radio…
Suz–Love your tips! And you’re so right–I forgot my own blog address once when I was asked about it on air. Nutty. Great tip about finding local news stories to tie into.
Terry–Ha! Well, these folks all seem pretty adept at stopping blather. Probably because, when we’re nervous, we all chatter a little!
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
Alex–Every little bit helps!
Glad your daughter is feeling better! And that your interview went well. I would imagine that every conceivable chaos would be lurking outside the door while I was on the phone. Kids always know when the worst time to interrupt is!
Thanks for the great tips on how to do a radio interview. I’m getting ready to do one on our local station. Your suggestions really help.
Great tips. I’m bookmarking this post.
Jemi–There’s just something about the *phone* and kids! They just aren’t wild about seeing us on the phone…
Nancy–I’m so glad! Hope the interview goes well. :)
I do NOT think on my feet well at all. I wouldn’t want to do a radio interview — but I have to say your tips would make it possible if I had to.
Thanks for coming by, Carol!
Camille–Me either. But if you ask them to submit the questions in advance, then it’s a win-win…we both end up looking clever. :)
Hi!
I am the Books editor at Before It’s News (beforeitsnews.com). Our site is a rapidly growing people-powered news platform currently serving over 3 million visits a month. We like to call ourselves the “YouTube of news.”
We would like to republish your content on our site. Our visitors would love to read it, and find out more about you as a blogger, author, and source of book news.
You could also publish excerpts of your books if you’d like :).
It’s a great opportunity to spread the word about your work and reach new readers.
We will be featuring and promoting books, excerpts, posts, and reviews on our homepage, on Twitter, Facebook, in our newsletter, and more.
Please let me know what you think.
Thanks!
Sebastian Clouth
Sclouth@beforeitsnews.com
You’re welcome to repost my post with my byline. My email is elizabethspanncraig (at) gmail (dot) com.