The 18 tips below will
help you provide a strong and entertaining interview to become a sought-after
guest—and tips to decline an interview offer—yes, there are reasons to do so.
Great! You’ve been
approached by a radio host or producer to interview with them—after you’ve high-fived yourself in the mirror …
*Do at least cursory research on the show and
determine its value for both you and the radio station or online show.
- If possible, listen to that particular show host interviewing another guest; you’ll gain terrific insight into the style and tone of the interview. (Most stations and online shows have archives or "Listen now" buttons.)
- If possible, listen to that particular show host interviewing another guest; you’ll gain terrific insight into the style and tone of the interview. (Most stations and online shows have archives or "Listen now" buttons.)
*Note whether the host allows the guest
to reflect in a lengthy monologue, or whether they control the interview by
interrupting with additional questions or comments. Structure your thoughts
accordingly—be prepared to speak at length on key issues; or have short,
specific sound-bites in mind.
Then … when accepting:
*Be humble, not egotistical in response
(hopefully, you would, without saying … jus’ sayin’).
*If not given an interview topic in the
initial query, suggest one that is appropriate for their show. That shows
interest and initiative.
*Confirm date, time, and who-calls-who.
*Have enough time to alert your local
media, and that of the station’s broadcast area? Do it!
*Schedule at least two social media
posts prior to your interview.
*Blog about it; and link the
station/show/host on your website and/or blog.
*And again the day before, confirm
date/time/origin of call, with the producer/host.
*Be prepared, have notes handy, but know
that at any given time you may be faced with a question that strays from the
arranged topic …
*Remember that you’re talking to an
audience—include them in the conversation—spark their emotions, memories, or
ideals.
*Near the conclusion of the interview,
if the host has not allowed you to state your “call to action” (your website,
event specifics, where to buy your book/product), take the initiative—that’s
what you’re there for.
*And if he or she thanks you on-air, you
do the same.
*Finally, whether you found the
interview a pleasant experience or not—send a thank-you note to the producer
and/or host. Always, always, take the high road!
For a great program to learn in-depth tricks of
the radio, TV, in-person appearances trade, check out Michael
Dresser’s media interview training (Dresser After Dark). Tell him I sent you!
After
researching the show and host you might determine it isn’t the show for you. While that may seem highly unlikely—any
publicity is good publicity, right?—today’s often mean-spirited viral repeats
can have a truly negative and destructive affect.
So … when declining:
*Review your motives for declining and
feel confident you are doing so for all the right reasons. Examples:
- The show’s general audience (based on their overall theme and attitude) is not the type of listenership you feel connected to.
- The host has an abrasive or attitude or their values do not reflect, complement, or otherwise bond with yours.
- The guests are not treated with respect and/or given enough time to properly respond.
- The show’s general audience (based on their overall theme and attitude) is not the type of listenership you feel connected to.
- The host has an abrasive or attitude or their values do not reflect, complement, or otherwise bond with yours.
- The guests are not treated with respect and/or given enough time to properly respond.
*Use common
sense—decline graciously, thanking them for their interest, and explain you do
not feel there is enough common ground for an interview, and would not want to
disappoint them or their listeners.
*Important—try
to find some way to continue the contact. While you may not be a fit at this
time, they’re still a viable publicity outlet that perhaps a friend or
associate might be perfect for. Suggest you be a liaison.
*Or if the show (or that particular
topic) is relevant to the industry you represent, offer to provide a link on
your website, and/or social media post. In other words, don’t burn the bridge.
With these tips you are at least on your way to
becoming a relevant interview guest in today’s broadcast market. Bottom line,
as always—have fun and enjoy the experience!
Questions? Comments? You know where to find me.
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