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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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