Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Be prepared. Try to think of potential questions or topics. Of course you don't know exactly what you're going to be asked, so treat it as if you're studying for an exam--you don't know exactly which questions the professor is going to ask, but you know how to prepare, right? It's the same concept here.
Step2
Shake the interviewer's hand at some point. I know it's on the air and nobody sees it, but shake their hand prior to the interview. If you don't get to before you're on the air, do it when they introduce you. Seriously. What this does is break down the boundary that can sometimes be created through radio. By shaking their hand you're setting the stage to make radio as it should be--a conversation.
Step3
Now the interview is about to begin and both you and the broadcaster are relaxed, and you are prepared for the potential questions. If the interviewer asks you about something topical, respond naturally. Give a true response as if you were talking to a friend. This gets back to the whole conversation theory. The interviewer might be wanting to create an ambiance so that the listener feels as if they're in on the conversation.
Step4
Now you are into the "meat," if you will, of the interview. Stay focused and sharp, but by all means, relax. If you do lose your train of thought, don't hesitate to turn to the interviewer for help. They're professional broadcasters, they know how to avoid "dead air" and get you back on your feet. Just give them a look, they'll catch on quicker than you can imagine.
Enthusiast 