How to Ace your Radio or
Podcast Interview
In part 1 of our Radio and Podcast Interview Tip Series, we gave you some advice about preparing for your interview. In this article, we’d like to give you some tips for performing successfully during your interview.
Speak to your audience. Think about who will be listening to this particular broadcast, who your target audience is, and adjust your language accordingly.
The interviewer probably will not have read your book, nor will the listeners, so bear this in mind when talking about the content.
1. Summarize!
You must be able to clearly and succinctly summarize what your book is about, in a couple of sentences.
2. Answer what is asked.
It is easy to prepare what you want to say and not really answer the questions. Be aware of this, especially if you are nervous and really listen to the questions.
3. Respect the host.
Do not interrupt them or respond in a combative tone. Keep in mind that the interview is not only about you or your book; it is also trying to create entertainment for the listeners, so the questions may be aimed at this end rather than simply information gathering or asking your opinion.
4. Keep it brief.
Take your cues from the interviewer and do not ramble. Keep it to the point.
5. Talk about your book.
Mention the title (and repeat it instead of referring to ‘it’ or ‘the book’) and tell the audience where they can read an excerpt and buy a copy.
6. Tell stories!
People love hearing stories; tell one related to your book to draw in the audience.
7. Remember, your job is to inform, educate, entertain, or inspire.
The producer and host want you to be an interesting guest. Focus on your message, advice, insights, etc. If you sound like a commercial for your book, it won’t be a good interview.
8. The best broadcast interview guests avoid rambling or talking for too long after a question is asked.
Speak two to three sentences at a time, unless you’re telling a story. When telling stories, pause for impact and give the host a chance to redirect if needed.
9. Follow the host's lead.
Let him or her direct the interview.
10. Focus on the benefit.
Remember: people don’t buy books; they buy the benefit a book gives them.
11. Avoid a common interview problem: mumbling.
Once you become comfortable in an interview, you may find your voice trailing off at the end of sentences. Stay sharp and articulate and speak clearly throughout the interview.
12. Have fun!
The more you enjoy what you are doing, the more it will show, and the more the audience will respond positively to you.
13. Practice your sound bites out loud before the interview.
Learn to communicate your main points succinctly. It will give you some much-needed peace of mind.
14. A kind word about the host can go a long way.
It’s good manners and good business.
15. A person's name is sweet music to them, so commit to memory or jot down the host's name and use it throughout the interview.
When taking calls, use the names of callers too.
16. CALL TO ACTION.
Have ONLY ONE such as “Buy my book at BookTitleGenerator.net” That’s it. Don’t ask them to subscribe to your newsletter, attend your event, vote for your book in a contest, review it online… It’s too much. Do, however, mention your Twitter handle, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram at the end, so that intrigued listeners can follow you there.
17. Think of a radio or podcast interview as an intimate conversation with a friend, not a performance in front of thousands.
Keep the tone friendly and personable.
18. Don't just answer questions.
Tell listeners something you want them to know, something they wouldn’t know unless they were tuned in, with the promise of more of the same when they buy your book.
19. Have three key messages—short, not sermons.
Sometimes the host opens the door; other times you have to answer a question and segue to a key message. A compelling message will have the host asking for more.
20. After the interview, write a thank-you note.
Since so few people do this, you’ll stand out from the crowd. And most importantly, you may get invited back.
21. Ask for an MP3 of the recording before the interview.
If you ask ahead of time, the producer will record the interview, and then you can add it to your website. If that’s not available, get the link to the station’s recording and tweet about it to your followers, share a clip on Instagram, and promote it on your Facebook page.
22. Listen for the testimonial.
Sometimes the host will say something complimentary, “You have a fascinating story, Maria!” You can use that in your marketing. Or, if you’re bold enough, you can actually ask for a book review. Why not?
Upcoming Literary Events you could attend virtually:
- On May 19, 7 AM PST, Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings celebrate the release of The Soulmate Equation, with Xio Axelrod, Sarah Maclean, and Rachel Epstein! Attend this event by Books Are Magic by registering here.
- On May 23, 11 AM CT, Rhino Poetry will be hosting a Virtual Poetry Forum with poets Amorak Huey and W. Todd Kaneko. Register here.
- On May 25, 5 PM PT, Writers Bloc Presents: Kevin Kwan, author of Sex & Vanity, in conversation with Jodi Picoult. Learn more about this event by Skylight Books here.
- On May 27, 6 PM PT, David Yoon, will be in a conversation with Marie Lu, to discuss Version Zero. This event is sponsored by Vroman’s Bookstore. Join them here.
