Community Outreach Bulletin 5.0

Tips for Radio Interviews

from The Renaissance Transgender Association, Inc.

Many people mistakenly believe that if you can talk, you will do fine on a radio program. Although a much simpler medium than television, radio has several unique features which must be considered for successful interviews.

The "Listening" Audience

The problem is that radio audiences don't really listen all that closely. What with radios in cars, radio headphones, and even radios in the shower, most people in the radio audience are doing something else while you provide audio accompaniment. As a result, you should speak clearly and simply, and although the program host probably won't like it, repeat important thoughts a couple of times during the interview in different words.

One of the biggest problems in following a speaker you cannot watch is that you don't get the non-verbal, visual signals that people use to "illustrate" their speech. On radio it helps to use voice inflections as sign posts to guide the audience. For example, when making a series of points, pause slightly between each one. Or stress certain key words with your voice just as you would with a hand gesture if people were watching you.

But no amount of inflection is going to help if you talk too fast. Remember that you are competing with traffic on the road or a dozen other stimuli, so speak slowly and carefully.

Which Voice Do You Use?

There are differences of opinion about using your "femme" voice on the radio.

One opinion holds that unless your voice is really an excellent imitation of a woman's voice, you are better speaking as you naturally do. While the use of an obviously male voice would be disconcerting coming from a person who looks like a woman, remember that the radio audience can't see you. You don't look like a woman to them; you are a man who wears women's clothes. Sounding like a man will not present a problem. Those who hold the other say that because radio focuses on sound, it may be easier for people in the audience to recognize you if you speak in your normal voice. For transvestites who have not yet gone public, using a femme voice on the radio is equivalent to wearing a wig on television. Also, they believe that a femme voice better represents the desire of transvestites to be like women and for transsexuals to be women in as many ways as possible. The choice is up to you.

Dealing With Telephone Calls

Most radio shows that you will appear on take calls from the audience. A radio station staff member will screen the calls in hopes of keeping obvious nuts off the air, but you can't rely on this. It is more than likely that a caller will use the Bible to condemn you, or call you names. While you will have the urge to reply, "Same to you, fella!" this is not a wise response. Remember, if one person who has that negative opinion called in, there are many more in the audience who share that view. There is no point in making enemies. State you disagreement with the caller in a calm, clear manner, and always thank them for calling. But if you are afflicted with a real pest, someone who is more interested in preaching than in exchanging opinions, there is no reason why you can't tell this person that you have to get on to other calls or move on to another point. The host is also interested in moving the show along.

The Use of Notes Is Perfectly Acceptable

One distinct advantage of radio is that the shows are generally longer than television programs. It is not uncommon for a radio appearance to last for at least an hour, sometimes two. This gives you time to discuss many facets of transvestism and/or transsexualism. But unless you go over all of the points you want to cover with the host before air time, there is a danger that his or her questions or telephone calls may set an entirely new agenda for the program. It is wise to make an outline or a list of the topics you want to discuss, and to check the list during the show. Remember, this is radio; the audience can't see if you are using notes. Notes also helpful for answering complex questions that you have anticipated being asked. Also remember to take a pen or pencil with you so you can make notes to yourself during the show.

Interaction With Other Guests

One problem with longer radio shows is that they can get dull with the continuous use of questions from the host and answers from the guest(s). Don't be afraid to "spice up" the program by interacting with other guests who may be sharing the studio with you. This technique can be used effectively even if the other guests are from your organization and you have many views in common. You can also ask the host questions, but being careful not to take over the show. It is a good idea to "preview" a radio show before you appear on it so you can become familiar with the host's "schtick" and his manner of dealing with guests. If the host likes to kid and poke gentle fun, you could come across as dull and serious if you don't enter into the fun. But jokes and wisecracks would be out of place on a serious show.

Trick Questions and Other Interview Tips


Issued by Renaissance
A non-profit association to educate the professional and general communities about transgendered people.

For more information write:
Renaissance
987 Old Eagle School Rd., Suite 719
Wayne, PA 19087
Phone: 610-975-9119
Email: renaissance@ren.org

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