Radio Interview basics

The key two elements of producing a successful radio interview is:

• Good, sensible questioning.
• The proper use of your equipment.

Before you go out recording make sure that:

1. You know the equipment well and know how to use it before you set out.
2. Make sure that your equipment is fully charged ( if necessary take spare batteries).
3. It may sounding silly but make sure that you are actually recording and have pressed record.

Before using a Microphone it is essential to check that:

1. You are holding the microphone with a firm, steady hand.
2. The microphone is plugged into the correct hole of the recorder.
3. Leave ambiance at the end of the recoding rather than having an abrupt stop.

Places to record:

• Don't always go for a quiet room, give audio the most texture (the actuality) background sounds add to the atmosphere of the clip.
• Avoid echo.
• Beware of sounds such as the air con or the boiler which will sound alot louder on audio.
• Keep away from heavy traffic noises.
• Manually set the recording levels if it is noisy.

A few interviewing tips:

• The best interviews are unscripted chats. Have just a few questions or key ideas prepared.
• Listen to the answers you are being given and if the answer is something which interests you, develop the answer with another question.
• Use simple, straight forward questions: 'Who, what, how, when, where, why?'
• Avoid using closed questions (questions which require a yes or no answer).
• Do your research into the interviewee's work etc. Expand your knowledge.
• Nod to encourage your interviewee but do not speak as this will be tricky to edit out later.
• Always be in control of the interview, remember you're the one asking the questions.