As a radio presenter, your guests are your bread and butter. 

Your guests are the ones who bring a fresh perspective to your show and keep your audience engaged. However, getting the best out of your guests can be a tricky affair. In this article, we will explore some interview skills for radio presenting that will help you to elicit the best possible responses from your guests.

7 Interview Skills All Radio Presenters Should Know

With radio presenting, it is common to feel nervous when inviting a guest on your show, and you may even find yourself freezing up. However, it is your responsibility to overcome these nerves and deliver an exceptional experience for your audience

Listed below are 7 interview skills all radio presenters should be aware of. 

Do Your Research

Before you invite a guest onto your show, do your research about them. Find out as much as you can about their background, their achievements, and their current work. This will help you to tailor your questions to their specific expertise and experience, and also demonstrate to them that you have a genuine interest in their work.

Prepare Your Questions

Preparing your questions in advance will help you to stay focused and organised during the interview. Make a list of questions that you want to ask your guest, and organise them in a logical order. Make sure that you have a mix of open-ended and closed-ended questions, and that your questions are relevant to your guest’s area of expertise.

Start with Open-ended Questions

Open-ended questions encourage your guests to elaborate and provide detailed responses. They also help to set the tone for the interview and put your guest at ease. Ask questions that invite your guest to share their experiences, opinions, and perspectives.

Listen Carefully

Listening carefully to your guest’s responses is essential for successful radio presenting. Listen for key points that you can follow up on with further questions. Take note of any interesting anecdotes or insights that your guest shares, and be ready to ask more questions to elicit more information.

Maintain a Conversational Tone

While radio presenting are often structured around interviews, it is important to maintain a conversational tone throughout. Avoid asking overly formal or stilted questions, and instead try to engage your guest in a dialogue. Encourage them to expand on their answers and share their thoughts freely. 

It’s important to keep in mind that your listeners are likely tuning in to your show when they are unwinding or commuting back from work. Therefore, it’s best to avoid having overly complex conversations during this time, as people may not want to engage in anything too challenging

Be Flexible

Sometimes, your guest may take the conversation in an unexpected direction. While it is important to stay focused on your main topic, it is also important to be flexible and responsive to your guest’s input. Don’t be afraid to deviate from your script if the conversation takes a more interesting turn.

End on a High Note

As the interview draws to a close, make sure that you end on a high note. Recap some of the key points that your guest has made, and thank them for their time and insights. Give them an opportunity to promote any upcoming projects or events, and let them know that they are welcome to return to your show in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, interview skills for radio presenting are essential for getting the best out of your guests. By following the tips that are mentioned above, you can ensure that your interviews are engaging, informative, and enjoyable for your audience.