How to be interviewed. A guide for writers and creators.
Part one of a two-part series. Next time I'll write about the art of conducting an interview.
Have you ever been interviewed about your work? How did that go?
An interview, media appearance, video/podcast or Q&A is an opportunity to present your work and you-the-person to a wider audience. If it’s a straight up Q&A format like the Proust Questionnaire, you will probably submit written answers in an email and that might be the extent of your participation. But if it’s a live or recorded audio or video interview a bit more preparation is called for. How much should you divulge? How do you know when to stop talking? Perhaps you get nervous. Some people find interviews incredibly stressful, but hopefully this little guide takes some of the pressure off.
I’ve been a broadcast interviewer for more than three decades (and had my own TV interview show from 2010-2019). Over the past few months I’ve had the opportunity to be on the other side; being interviewed for my theatre show Lost in Shanghai. As well as media interviews I had to do many post-show Q&A sessions. I put together this guide for fellow Substackers, particular those who haven’t had a lot of experience at being interviewed. I hope you find it useful. Please feel free to ask questions or leave comments. Your questions can help other people. Don’t be shy now.
Know the Basics
Who is interviewing you? Is it live or recorded? Is the interviewer experienced or a newby? What’s the duration of the interview? Will it be edited? Where and when will the interview be published? Will it be a video, sound-only, text only, or all of the above? Will there be photos taken and who is taking them? How will the interview or article be shared? What’s the interview about?
These are ten basic questions you should ask the organiser prior to the interview, if nothing else for your peace of mind. You may even prefer to know these basics before accepting the offer of the interview. Sometimes it helps to supply a professional photo of yourself or just a photo you are happy with if you don’t want to have a random or poorly limit image doing the rounds on the internet. For ever.
Now and then you’ll come across an interviewer who is really engaged in the subject you’ve written about or in your life story. That opens a tunnel of curiosity. And within that tunnel, is the space for a more engaging, potentially, delightful conversation.
Should you bring written notes or just be off the cuff?
If it’s TV/video, it’s best not to refer to notes or answers you’ve carefully prepared. It never sounds natural and if the audience can see you checking notes, it reduces authenticity. It always sound better when you speak off the cuff and from the heart.
What should you do if you say something to the interviewer that you don’t want broadcast?
If the interview is pre-recorded, it normally isn’t a problem. Discuss it the journalist/producer/podcaster. If the interview is live there is little you can do.
How much you reveal is up to you. You can segue your life story into your book’s story easily. You can also talk about what dramas you have had in writing the book or whether they story came easily, took you 111 drafts etc. Like each author, the making of every book has its’ own story.
Know when to stop!
Remember to pause or make a definite end to your answer so so that interviewer can get a questions in. They like that. An interview always sound more interesting when it’s like a game of ping pong!
Guide the process
Write out a list of Frequently Asked Questions about your work. More detail is good! Put it on your website or newsletter. Share it with the interviewer. For an example, here’s one I wrote for my third book, Rebel Talk.
Many journalists/podcasters are time poor. If they find anything that helps them to pose meaningful questions they will probably use it.
Use your contacts
Get introduced. Don’t be afraid to offer yourself or your book as potential content for shows, events or festivals. Don’t forget your local library/aged-care home. However, many of these organisations will probably have booked schedules well ahead of time. It pays to start pitching three to six months ahead of your publication date.
Don’t fixate on how many times your book is going to be mentioned in the interview. Don’t keep repeating ‘as I say in my book’.
When I worked in TV the producer used to edit these mentions out, as they are tedious to listen to! Audiences are sold on the stories they hear, not the constant repetition of the title.
I’m so nervous! What do I do about it?
Step one: breathe.
If you are feeling star-struck because the interviewer is famous, try to imagine them doing something very ordinary like shopping for groceries in a store, just as you would.
Confidence (for most people) is a muscle that gets stronger with work. So try to do more interviews. If you need practice, write out the questions and answer them after hitting ‘record’ on your favourite voice memo app. Listen back. What do you notice?
What should I wear (for TV or video)?
This one is really up to you. If in doubt wear dark blue jeans, a t-shirt and an open jacket or a shirt with a collar. Not too many prints or patterns on the shirt unless you really want that. If you are having a photo taken, consider a bit of make-up. Beware of tapping feet, busy hands or noisy bangles which are distracting and might be heard in the background. Sit tall. It looks better and makes you feel more confident.
What is the difference between a dull interview and a riveting one?
Ah. Interesting. I’ve found that around 80 - 90% of the questions I get asked in interviews are variations of the same thing. I call these bread-and-butter questions (tell me about your writing process, why did you make this creative work? What surprised you most about the book’s reception?). Remember, the channel, feed or publication needs you (or your book) as (usually, free) content. But now and then you’ll come across an interviewer who really is engaged in the subject you’ve written about or in your life story. That opens up a tunnel of curiosity. And within that tunnel, is the space for a more engaging, potentially, delightful conversation. Good interviewers are adept at finding the tunnel. A friendly, professional conversation with moments of light, shade and humour (if appropriate), in my view makes an interview riveting. The audience is left wanting to know more.
In recent interviews I did to publicise my theatre show Lost in Shanghai (which was about my mother’s life story and also mine), only one interviewer asked me about what Mum was like as a person. It was the opening question during a Saturday morning radio interview and it made me so happy. I felt relaxed and honoured to be talking about my mother, rather than simply publicising the show or talking about myself.
Thanks for reading. In part two, I’ll change places and discuss what makes a good interviewer. If you think of anyone who might enjoy this post. Please share. As always I welcome comments and feedback.
This is a fabulous piece and wonderful advice not only to writers, but all creatives and anyone just asked to speak to the press. Oh, and ”breathe”... why didn't anybody tell me that earlier?
It's wonderful having a pro like you, Jane, be such an active part of this community. Thank you.
Thanks for another wonderful piece, Jane. I loved the question about your mother, too. We need to catch up ... I am so sorry that I wasn't able to get to any of the performances ... your mother's story intrigues me.