Christian Comedians and the Successful Radio Interview

Female Christian Comedian Sally Edwards

I'll never forget one of my first radio interviews as a Christian Comedian.  I was performing at a church in a small Ohio town and I was asked to go on the air at a local radio station to promote the special event .  I had strict instructions from the radio station.  "Write out five questions that will lead into humorous stories." End of instructions.  In the years that followed, I was regularly given similar instructions from radio hosts, including FISH Christian Radio, whose offices wer in Elk Grove Village, IL.

This format is very solid because the comedian is always prepared with something funny to say.  It relieves the radio host of the pressure of not knowing what to expect.  It would be very disconcerting if a Christian Comedian delivered stories and anecdotes that would be offensive to a core audience.  Preparing a funny and solid radio interview should be taken with the same "seriousness" as the preparation of a stage performance.  The radio interview provides a wonderful platform for bringing people to your show and your Christian hosts will appreciate your enthusiasm and professionalism on the air.

Christian Comedians as guests on a radio show should be prepared to face a radio host who may not be familiar with the concept of "set-up, punchline."  It is recommended that a comedian take control of the interview to avoid the host "stepping on the jokes" by interrupting the timing of a well thought-out story.  This unfortunate habit can make a radio interview very painful for the guest.  Christian Comedians know that the very best hosts are either highly sensitive to the talent of their individual guests or they are former comedians themselves.

On occasion a radio host will recommend "winging it."  This is an improvised radio interview and is not for the squeamish.  I am a particular fan of this type of interview because I find it very challenging, yet very natural.  However, it takes a skilled interviewer and an ideal chemistry with the radio host to make this a successful endeavor.

Remember that your mission as a Christian Comedian on the radio is to advertise the special event at which you are appearing while keeping  your comedy clean and highly entertaining!  The funnier and more engaging you are, the more a listener will want to come out and see you in person.  Welcome the opportunity to bring more audience to the church's special event!