Most radio interviews are carried out by young reporters who record the
material directly to their PC's where it will later be edited ready for broadcast.
Do not assume they are well informed. Radio reporters can cover several
stories in a single day and they often rely on your guidance for news angles
and key points.
Right up until the end of the recording, the reporter is still deciding whether
your story is worth putting to air. So be enthusiastic and energetic. If you
make a mistake or respond with a poor answer, ask for the question to
be repeated.
Because radio relies on imagination, it is important you paint a picture for
listeners. Develop some useful analogies and work them out in detail. Think
how to express things in everyday terms such as "suitcase-sized", "size of a
matchbox", "as big as a car" and so on. Your story will be far more compelling
to listeners if they can see it acted out in their mind.
Tell the audience what is new, innovative or original in your work and when
appropriate, don't be afraid to say that your work is at the forefront. Brief
notes are ok - perhaps a list of topics with key words - but do not read them.
Unless you are an experienced script-reader any reading will sound dull and
impersonal.
Media training is available in all main centres including Dunedin, Christchurch,
Wellington and Auckland..
