Brief summary of activity
This is an activity the participant will learn about tips to ensure good quality recordings when interviewing a guest at different settings.
Aim of the activity
The participant will learn how to prepare interviews for three different settings (studio, on the phone, on location)
Expected Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills of the need for technical preparations when facing an interview
Experience and skills required
The trainer needs to be familiar with portable recorders, studio equipment and interviewing on different settings.
Infrastructure, setting, resources
Studio, Portable recorders.
Length
About 30 minutes.
Material
Studio equipment.
Portable recorder.
Handout Guidelines for Interviews
How the activity should take place
Ask your participants to tell you what they would consider the key issues when organising an interview.
Some of them should be:
- Live or Pre-recorded?
- In the studio or over the phone?
- Who is your interviewee?
- Check out the sound of their voice (nervous and dull interviewees better pre-record)
- What to ask?
- How to ask?
In the studio
- Ask interviewees to be in the studio well in advance of programme (1/2 hour)
- Give instructions of how to reach the station
- Check microphones, headphones are working
- Make sure there is water available
- Keep the name of interviewee in large writing
- Look your guest in the eyeListen to the answers as they may need clarification
Outside the studio
- Always confirm time the day before
- Make sure interview will take place in a quiet place
- Check your recording equipment (batteries, microphone, tape or md…)
On the phone
- Used a Land line when possible. Mobile phone connexions are unreliable.
- Check quality on land line (call before the interview to re-check time and availability, as well as quality)
- Ask to make sure line will not be on use at interview time
- Can you make the phone call or need help?
Recommended max. number of participants and trainees to trainers ratio
10 per trainer. (for vision impaired/blind and learning difficulties, 4 per trainer)
Variations
Carry out mock interviews at different locations..
Tips for Trainers
Offer trainees a handout with the tips, and ask them to keep them handy when organising their interviews
Analysis and evaluation
Can the trainees remember at least two of the tips for recording interviews at different settings?
Scheduling
Along side interviewing, studio, portable recorders.