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YouWriteOn Message Board > Literary Forums > Professional Writing Tips and Techniques - New Help Search Recent Posts
my radio interview
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draig
 21 Aug 2010, 19:33 #97041 Reply To Post
I'm due for an interview with a local radio station about my novel. This is new to me and I'm a bit nervous. Has anyone experience or advice?
The Stories so Far
Sammy
 21 Aug 2010, 21:22 #97047 Reply To Post
Hi, draig,

I've worked in commercial radio for years...but I'm guessing this is a local BBC station?

I'm sure the presenter will guide you, so don't panic. Try and treat it like a chat and forget the listeners. Don't ramble and don't swear!

Which station is it, as a matter of interest?

x
'Stay away from your potential. It's like your bank balance. There's never as much of it as you think.'
annswinfen
 21 Aug 2010, 22:53 #97053 Reply To Post
Radio interviews are dead easy! Forget about the microphone and just have a relaxed conversation. It's worth thinking in advance about any particular points you might want to put across about your book. Speak clearly and not too fast. Trust me, you'll enjoy it!
Ann
draig
 22 Aug 2010, 08:28 #97061 Reply To Post
Quote: Sammy, Saturday, 21 Aug 2010 21:22
Hi, draig,

I've worked in commercial radio for years...but I'm guessing this is a local BBC station?

I'm sure the presenter will guide you, so don't panic. Try and treat it like a chat and forget the listeners. Don't ramble and don't swear!

Which station is it, as a matter of interest?

x

Hi Sammy. It's BBC Coventry & Warwickshire

The Stories so Far
draig
 22 Aug 2010, 08:30 #97062 Reply To Post
Quote: annswinfen, Saturday, 21 Aug 2010 22:53
Radio interviews are dead easy! Forget about the microphone and just have a relaxed conversation. It's worth thinking in advance about any particular points you might want to put across about your book. Speak clearly and not too fast. Trust me, you'll enjoy it!
Ann

Were you nervous & how long did it last. I've cancelled once already because I didn't think I could do it.

The Stories so Far
Elsieraven
 22 Aug 2010, 08:49 #97063 Reply To Post
Driag, it sounds exciting. I usually listen to radio leicester, but I can get radio cov. if you tell me when your going to be on I'll retune so I can listen.

Good luck
=======================================

Just because I believe I'm right, doesn't mean I am.

=======================================
draig
 22 Aug 2010, 09:08 #97066 Reply To Post
Hi Elsie. It'll probably be mid september as I need plenty of time to prepare myself. I'll let you know.
The Stories so Far
philb1000
 22 Aug 2010, 09:57 #97068 Reply To Post
If it's pre-recorded they'll usually let you have as many goes as you want so there's no need to worry about being word perfect. You can ask for a practice go if they've time. If live then just relax and be yourself, as somebody has already said.

Have a chat to them about what they'd like to talk about. You can discuss it beforehand so that you know what's coming up.

If it's a phone interview don't do what I did and try and do in from the loo of a moving train on a mobile. Not clever. Fixed line with quiet background etc.

Unless very lucky you'll only get a couple of minutes, so only 2 or 3 questions which will flash by. Have the things you want to say at hand but don't worry about how to say it. Just chat it through as you would in normal conversation.

Good luck.

ps Don't forget to ask for recording afterwards or get a friend to do it for you.

Quote: draig, Sunday, 22 Aug 2010 09:08
Hi Elsie. It'll probably be mid september as I need plenty of time to prepare myself. I'll let you know.


annswinfen
 22 Aug 2010, 11:02 #97073 Reply To Post
Quote: draig, Sunday, 22 Aug 2010 08:30
Quote: annswinfen, Saturday, 21 Aug 2010 22:53
Radio interviews are dead easy! Forget about the microphone and just have a relaxed conversation. It's worth thinking in advance about any particular points you might want to put across about your book. Speak clearly and not too fast. Trust me, you'll enjoy it!
Ann

Were you nervous & how long did it last. I've cancelled once already because I didn't think I could do it.



Ask them how long it will last, and if you can meet the presenter - even if briefly - beforehand. This may not be possible, as they're very busy, especially on local radio, but if they say no, don't take it personally. It will probably last from 5 to 15 minutes. I'm sure you can manage that.

No, I wasn't particularly nervous, but then I'm used to getting up in front of large audiences and having to hold forth for an hour or more. Radio studios are small and intimate. There will be a sloping console of sliders which the presenter will move to handle sound levels, music, etc., but you don't have to do anything but sit there and chat about your book. Before you start, they'll probably do a voice test to see how loud they should set your microphone. They tend to ask you what you had for breakfast.

I'm SURE you can handle it. Don't miss this great opportunity to promote your book!
Ann
Sammy
 22 Aug 2010, 11:21 #97077 Reply To Post
Quote: draig, Sunday, 22 Aug 2010 08:28
Quote: Sammy, Saturday, 21 Aug 2010 21:22
Hi, draig,

I've worked in commercial radio for years...but I'm guessing this is a local BBC station?

I'm sure the presenter will guide you, so don't panic. Try and treat it like a chat and forget the listeners. Don't ramble and don't swear!

Which station is it, as a matter of interest?

x

Hi Sammy. It's BBC Coventry & Warwickshire



Don't think I know anyone there!

Can't add anything else to the sound advice given by others.

Enjoy and the best of luck. Now go plug that book!

x


'Stay away from your potential. It's like your bank balance. There's never as much of it as you think.'
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