How to Record a Phone Interview

Journalists, podcasters, researchers and others often need to interview experts and guests for broadcast or print interviews. These interviews can be recorded in a number of ways. Internet-savvy podcasters may feel comfortable to use audio software or record Skype to Skype calls, while old-fashioned print journalists still rely on cassette tape recorders. Here's a rundown of phone interview recording techniques.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Compose a list of questions that you will record. The more prepared you are, the easier the interview and the recording process will be. Write down more questions than you think you'll need. If the interview goes well, you will use all the questions.

2. Record with Skype if you're doing a long-distance interview. Call the other party using your SkypeOut account and record the interview using a service like Hotrecorder.com or Stepvoice.com. (See Resources below.)This software automatically records your conversation and turns it into an MP3 file or other audio file for easy uploading to your blog or podcast page, or use for easier transcription on your computer.

3. Capture and record with a regular phone by using a telephone to PC adapter. Attach one line to the phone and one to the computer, and always do test call before recording the actual interview. If you need to use a cassette tape recorder to do the interview, buy a suction cup device or phone recording adapter from RadioShack, and plug it into your phone and one into the tape recorder.

4. Transcribe your interview to record it. Adding a written transcript on your blog or podcast page helps listeners refer to specific quotes that impress them. It helps people understand interviewees who have a thick accent or speak too fast or too slow.

5. Snag and record your interview from a regular phone line using an inline device. Jkaudio.com sells inline patches you that connect your phone and computer to record your interview or podcast as an audio file.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent feedback when using your computer for podcast interviews by wearing headphones.

Resources

• Get StepVoice recording software here.
• Record a phone interview with HotRecorder.
• Find phone Interview tips for journalists and podcasters here.
• Get phone interview recording techniques here.