The Radio Interview Bianca Miglioretto Isis-International Manila, August 2006 Source: Ethnic Public Radio Training Program Public Broadcasting Association of Australia

Introduction An interview should aim at getting from the interviewee, in their own words, facts, opinions or reasons on a particular subject so listeners can form their own opinion. An Interview is not a discussion. What do you want out of the interview? How long should the interview be? One of the greatest assets of the interviewer is the ability to listen. You are representing the audience.

Different Types of Interviews The Informational Interview Involves a person who is an expert on a topic, experienced something, provides insight and facts.

The Informational Interview Involves a person who is an expert on a topic, experienced something, provides insight and facts. Preparation briefing should be detailed so that the interviewee can well prepare herself/ himself.

The Interpretative/Opinion Interview We want the opinion, comment from the interviewee.

The Interpretative/Opionion Interview We want the opinion, comment from the interviewee. The facts are already known or provided by the interviewee. Interviewer needs to be well informed on the topic. Be alert to pick up anything new and to ask follow up questions. Preparation briefing rather short, don' t let interview know your questions.

The Emotional Interview This is the most sensitive kind of interview. The interviewer must use the utmost tact and respect.

The Emotional Interview This is the most sensitive kind of interview. The interviewer must use the utmost tact and respect. The media are often accused of intruding into private grief. Emotional interviews do not need to be a tragedy, it can also be supreme achievement. The preparation briefing is important to agree on areas to discuss. Protect survivors of sexual violence. Be prepared to interrupt the interview in case your interviewee starts crying to protect the integrity of your interviewee.

“Vox Pops” or “Vox populi” This means the “voice of the people”.

“Vox Pops” or “Vox populi” This means the “voice of the people”. You ask a number of people the same question, and edit the answers together. “Vox pops” are a useful way of “testing the public wind” on the issue.

Different Locations Studio The advantage : The disadvantage:

Studio The advantage : You are on your home ground. The disadvantage: Many interviewees are intimidated by a radio studio – the equipment, recorders, etc. MAKE THE INTERVIEWEE FEELS COMFORTABLE AND AT EASE IN THE STUDIO.

On Site Home or workplace of the interviewee

On Site Home or workplace of the interviewee She/he will feel more relaxed, at home. There might be unwanted sound and distraction on site. So make sure you get a quiet corner, with out disturbing sounds and interruptions.

Telephone Interview Advantages: Disadvantages:

Telephone Interview Advantages: It is quick. The telephone bridges distances. Disadvantages: The telephone is impersonal. The sound quality is often very bad. Keep telephone interviews short.

Preparation Research the topic. Identify the best person to interview. Look for resource women to challenge gender unbalance in Media. Know what you want to get from the Interviewee. Contact the person and set a date, time and location for the interview. The more time spent in preparation, the better the interview will be.

Different Types of Interviewees People who are used to being interviewed These are the people who have been through it all many times before. They will have something they want to talk about and often they are trained in it.

People who are used to being interviewed These are the people who have been through it all many times before. They will have something they want to talk about and often they are trained in it. Don't let them take over the control over the Interview.

People who don't want to be interviewed

People who don't want to be interviewed People who are in trouble or upset over something. Handled them with tact and politeness. Anyone has the right NOT to be interviewed. Be courteous at all times. You can also mention over the radio that a certain person did not want to give an interview on this topic.

The person in the street or community

The person in the street or community These persons might be intimidated by the microphone. Put them at ease first. Discuss the topic with them in general terms. If you want the opinion of women go a way from the crowed where they might feel more comfortable to talk. Start with a “throwaway question”.

Friends or people we work together with The interview is of informational and educational nature.

Friends or people we work together with The interview is of informational and educational nature. Be careful, that the interview does not sound boring. Don't use insider language, acronyms and abbreviations. Put yourself into the position of the listener. Don't hesitate to ask critical questions, or raise arguments of the opposition.

Questions The better you prepare your questions, the better you can listen to the interview. Speak clearly, in short sentences that are easily understood by your listeners. Ask Open Questions using 5 W and 1 H.

Open Question: 5W, 1 H Who? What? When? Why? Where? How?

Questions: Do's and Dont's Don't ask “yes/no” questions. Don't ask double barrelled questions. Don't ask “either/or” questions. Avoid the “non-question question”. Act as “devil's advocate?

Questions: Write down your questions in logical order. Highlight a few words. To remember them instantly. Your list of questions allows you to listen to what the interviewee and ask follow up questions.

Preparing the Equipment Check all your recording equipment before you leave.

Preparing the Equipment Check all your recording equipment before you leave. In the studio do a test recording first. Do a battery check. Bring spare ones. Take an extra tape and avoid the longest-playing The 60-minute tape, is adequate. Test recording equipment on location before beginning the interview proper.

Using Equipment Always use the headphones. Avoid location with high levels of background sound. Keep microphone, 10 to 25 cm from the mouth of the person speaking. Use a microphone foam to avoid “popping” noise and wind interferences. Always label your tape, minidisc etc. Name of the person, date, location, event and topic.

VIII. Preparing the Interviewee Explain the context of the interview, listeners information and how long.

VIII. Preparing the Interviewee Explain the context of the interview, listeners information and how long. Clarify how to introduce your interviewee, name, position, etc. Also agree on the language. Tell that you want short, concise answers. Depending on the type of interview discuss questions and flow of the interview in detail. Do not let her/him give you any answers.

The Interview proper Sound interested in the topic. Look interested. Delivery of your questions forcefully. Watch your pronunciation. Ask to elaborate if you feel the point hasn't been explained sufficiently. Ask the question again if it has been answered. Be prepared to interrupt the interviewee if they move away from the point of the question or repeat themselves.

Non-Verbal Communication Do not say 'yes' or any other word that infers agreement with what your interviewee is saying. Use Non-Verbal Communication. Keep eye contact. Keep the microphone in your hands. It means control over the interview. Never let the interviewee have your list of questions. Watch the time.

Winding up the Interview Use a phrases such as “finally”, “briefly, then...” or “in summary... “, “in a few words, what... “ They indicate to your interviewee that time is running out. Live-interview: End by thanking the interviewee for coming to the studio. To make sure you got all the relevant information from the interviewee. In a pre-recorded interview ask as last question, if there is anything she wanted to add?

After the Interview Check to make sure you have a recording. If you do need to do it again do it immediately. Never erase previous recordings.