One of our finest former instructors, Sean Preuss, emailed me and asked me this question:
Hey Fred -
I'm doing my first radio interview in a week. You're a veteran of these...do you have any advice for me?
I do.
Be honest. Keep your answers short. Make the points you want to make regardless of the questions asked if asked questions that throw you. Have 5 major points you want to get across and get them across. Have a sense of humor. Speak clearly. Don’t say “Um.” Don’t say things that might allow people to make themselves feel as if you're trying to make them look stupid. White lie when necessary but only when absolutely necessary in order to get the greater good point across. Speak with authority. Let the audience feel that you are listening to the moderator. When the moderator asks a question, don’t answer immediately - take a VERY short pause, then answer. Don’t talk when the moderator is talking. If the moderator is being boring, spice it up. Don't allow long pauses. Keep it moving. Stay positive. Have passion. Have a glass of water nearby. Don’t clear your throat audibly. Never bad mouth another person. Don’t be a wimp. Don’t be a know it all, but know it all. Say thank you. Be polite. Have a few aphorisms or witty quotes at the ready like “Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.” –Twain. Show up on time. Remove distractions. Answer call in questions with respect and care for people's feelings.
Have fun.
