"Radio is the Theater of the Mind"

I was a little skeptical at first, when Bruce mentioned our next lecture would be a sound recording on Blackboard rather than the usual physical interaction of the previous lectures. I assumed it would be simple dictation by Bruce himself regarding our next topic, so needless to say I was surprised when I found myself more of an 'invisible' third-party to two very interesting radio interviews.

Having spent two weeks at ABC Tropical North radio station in Mackay, I was somewhat aware of the goings-on behind the scenes of radio shows. I helped interview people, sourced stories, edited recordings and wrote introductions. This experience I believe was advantageous when interpreting this 'sound' lecture. I was able to grasp a greater understanding and appreciation of what was being discussed.

The first interview seemed centred around how to interview a guest - interesting as the guest in this sense was quite obviously very used to being in the other chair! It was easy to tell from an early stage that Richard Fidler is very passionate about what he does, and his insight was invaluable. "The voice doesn't seem to 'come at you' (like television), but come from inside your head" he said. This certainly seemed the case, perhaps in part due to the headphones protruding from either ear at the time..

Richard stressed the importance of avoiding 'closed conversations' with your guest, that it is paramount as a presenter to be able to keep the audience feeling part of the conversation. He also mentions that while conventional wisdom dictates 7 minutes for a radio interview, 'conversations' may go for as long as an hour. In such circumstances, finding and maintaining interest in the subject matter is arguably the hardest and most beneficial ability in producing an interesting show.

Among other things, Richard also alluded to the importance of humour, and the ability to keep a guest feeling at-ease within the situation, citing simple gestures like moving away from the microphone and pausing to promote responses as vital in getting the most out of your guest. 

"We want to be useful and give them something... 

there is a kind of sense of public service, and this is what 

keeps you energetic and happy in the job" 

(Richard Fidler)

Far from the wrestling ring of his namesake, Steve Austin was the second guest interviewed as part of our 'sound' lecture, tapping into his well of knowledge and past experiences to provide further insight into the life of a radio presenter. After a brief introduction, Steve proceeded to reference a plethora of very useful points, which I believe can be more-easily explained through direct-quote.

"In radio, your annunciation matters, you can't speak like you would at University or in the street... be yourself, but you need to communicate."

"Bring down the barriers between you and the listener."

"If you're fake on radio, people can smell it a mile off."

"Try to empathise (with the guest) vocally... don't do anything on radio you wouldn't do in real life."

"Be human. Explore the full gamut of human experience. Don't believe those that say human beings are rational, thinking creatures. We can be, but we react emotionally and subconsciously." 

"For night-time radio, you must talk less and listen more... to show respect, listen to them... if you don't understand someone, listen to them, don't berate them."

"Ideas in London matter... everything spreads from that point."

And Steve Austin's final piece of advice,

"If like me you're not naturally talented, don't give up. If you really, seriously are hungry for it, go after it. There are plenty of big-name people today who were told they would never get into radio or television... you may become a more interesting person after a few knock-backs."

Radio,

the Theater 

of the Mind