Tips for good audio quality in radio and podcast interviews

We’ve all caught an interview with less-than-perfect audio.

An expert’s voice may be cutting in and out from bad reception or muffled audio. The background might be full of noise and chatter from a busy coffee shop. Traffic or sirens might be audible over the interview.

You worked hard to secure an interview and prepare for it—don’t let audio be the reason people tune out.

Our goal is to help experts make the most of their interviews, as they’re invaluable opportunities for our researchers and educators to discuss their work, new findings, community engagement opportunities, and expertise on trending topics.

Review the following tips to keep your audio quality strong and help deliver a clear message during your next interview:

• Do your interview from a quiet space with little background noise. Avoid taking interviews from cars, restaurants, coffee shops, or busy hallways. If you’re on campus, the 1:Button Studios is a great option that includes professional sound equipment.
• Smaller rooms with carpets and curtains will have the best acoustics. For example, a cozy bedroom with a fluffy rug, curtains and closet full of clothes will produce better sound than a big open concept living space. Professionals often take it one step further in a radio interview by recording in a closet surrounded by clothes or with a blanket draped over their heads if they’re in a pinch and away from the studio.
• Use a landline if one is available to you. This lends to a strong connection that doesn’t fade in and out.
• If you're using a cell phone, make sure you’re in a location with a good connection. Consider using headphones with an attached microphone to help minimize background noise or distortion.
• Regardless of the phone—don’t use speakerphone mode! You’ll have significantly better audio quality if the phone is closer to your mouth rather than on a desk or table a foot away.
• Remember to turn off any noise or notifications from your phone, television, or computer.
• Remind your colleagues or family members that your interview is coming up so they don’t interrupt the recording.
• Check your clothes and avoid accessories that make noise when moving, like dangly jewelry.
• Posture is still important, even if it is just audio! It will help you maximize your voice.

If you would like to learn more tips and tricks for media interviews, reach out to the University Relations PR team at unews@umn.edu to schedule a media training session.