There's a motto: I've never learned anything while talking.

Unfortunately, often the interviewer will talk a lot to get a one-line revelation. The most powerful tool in any interview is silence because the guest will always fill that gap. If you're too busy of talking too much of expressing your own opinion and not really listening to what the person is saying then you can miss a moment of the crucial moment of gold. 

When you put two people together, it could go extremely well like a house on fire or it can go terribly wrong, but the exciting part is conversation can be unpredictable to the interviewee and to the audience.

Radio interviews expose the audience to broader perspectives and understanding of the subject and interviewee. The right questions also challenge the interviewee to think critically and refine their response. 

At the center of it, there is no actual formula to perfect the art of interviewing. Human beings consume information differently. However, there’s nothing more embarrassing than not knowing contextual information surrounding the subject. Preparation is key. Research the person to understand them better. That way, you concentrate on the interview and put them at ease. 

Last weekend's nail-biting game between the Springboks and the All Blacks refreshed my memory that sports professionals and enthusiasts are passionate yet emotional.

Motsweding FM's Mosela Mokgosi navigates this dilemma notably well. From boardroom sports politics to who should have scored the winning goal, her ability to attentively listen and engage guests is what keeps her intriguing. 

More often than not, we are told what to do rather than what to avoid. In a career spanning 30 years in private and public broadcasting; including moderating dialogues regionally and internationally, many lessons have been learned.

Makwetla shares three illustrations that stand out from her personal experiences and what she, unfortunately, sees occurring in the media space.

What not to do while conducting interviews:

1. Never Go in Ill-Prepared

This number one rule seems obvious but it has happened to me; wittingly or not. It never ends well. Reading up on the subject matter and your guest is a basic sign of respect, not only for their time but recognition of their expertise.

I also believe doing your research echoes respect for yourself and your craft.

2. Do not be Dismissive of Your Guest

I made this mistake once very early in my career and I never deigned to be that foolish again! Some interviewees are kind enough to not expose your lack of knowledge and or understanding of the subject. Don’t get it twisted and allow your ego to lead you astray.

Even guests who don't respond the way you wish to a question deserve the opportunity to air their views. Listening is the pinnacle of every conversation.

3. Don't Abandon Good Journalistic Principles in Pursuit of Salacious Outcomes

One of the worst experiences in my career was being ordered to ambush a guest with something they'd expressly refused to discuss.

There's a fine line between surfacing valuable information and deliberately betraying the reason someone agrees to an interview. Follow-up questions are there for a reason; experience and knowledge can get you to your final destination without impugning anyone's dignity.

These pointers are all related in one manner or the other; they serve as a good foundation for anyone seeking to connect with their subject / s. 

For more information, visit www.iono.fm. 

*Image courtesy of contributor