Can you describe a time when you had to think on your feet while hosting a show?

Sample answer to the question

One time, while hosting a show, we had a technical glitch that caused the scheduled guest to not show up. I had to think on my feet and quickly come up with an alternative plan to keep the show engaging. I decided to open up the phone lines and invited listeners to call in and share their own experiences on the topic we were supposed to discuss with the guest. It turned out to be a huge success as we received a flood of calls from passionate listeners who were eager to participate. We had lively and insightful discussions, and the audience loved being a part of the show. This experience taught me the importance of being adaptable and quick-thinking in unexpected situations.

A more solid answer

During one of my shows, I encountered a situation where our scheduled guest had to cancel last minute due to an unforeseen emergency. With little time to spare, I had to think quickly and come up with a solution to deliver an engaging show. I decided to switch gears and improvise by introducing a new segment where I asked listeners to share their favorite memories related to the theme of the show. I encouraged them to call in and was impressed by the diverse range of stories and experiences they shared. To keep the flow of the show seamless, I smoothly transitioned between the callers, engaging them with follow-up questions and providing insightful commentary. This required me to think on my feet, respond fluently, and showcase my excellent grasp of the English language. The result was a lively, interactive, and captivating show that exceeded the expectations of both the audience and my producer.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details and examples to showcase the candidate's strong improvisational skills, ability to multitask and think on their feet, and excellent grasp of the English language. The candidate shares a specific situation, the actions they took to handle it, and the positive outcome of their improvisation. However, the answer can be further improved by adding more emphasis on the candidate's ability to engage the audience and maintain a dynamic and engaging show format, which are important skills for a Radio Host.

An exceptional answer

There was an unforgettable moment during one of my shows when a power outage occurred right in the middle of a live interview. This unexpected incident meant that we lost all access to the pre-planned content and had to think on our feet to keep the show going smoothly. Without missing a beat, I quickly transitioned to an impromptu solo session where I shared personal anecdotes and stories related to the topic we were discussing. Drawing from my extensive knowledge and passion for the subject, I seamlessly engaged the audience with captivating narratives and thought-provoking insights. To maintain the dynamic nature of the show, I invited listeners to participate by sharing their own experiences through live chat and phone calls. I skillfully handled their contributions, encouraging meaningful discussions while keeping the show on track. This exceptional experience not only showcased my strong improvisational skills and ability to think on my feet, but it also demonstrated my capacity to multitask, engage the audience, and create a dynamic and engaging show format.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a captivating and detailed account of a specific incident where the candidate had to think on their feet and handle a challenging situation during a live show. The candidate highlights their ability to seamlessly transition to an impromptu solo session, engage the audience through personal anecdotes and interactions, and maintain the dynamic and engaging nature of the show. The answer also emphasizes the candidate's multitasking skills and their ability to create a dynamic show format. This answer effectively demonstrates the candidate's strong improvisational skills, ability to think on their feet, excellent grasp of the English language, and ability to multitask and engage the audience.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with a wide range of topics and develop a passion for staying updated on current events, popular culture, and music trends.
Practice storytelling and sharing personal anecdotes to captivate and engage the audience during unexpected situations.
Develop strong improvisational skills by participating in improv classes or practicing impromptu speaking.
Stay calm under pressure and develop quick thinking by regularly challenging yourself with time-sensitive tasks or puzzles.
Listen to recordings of experienced radio hosts to learn how they handle unexpected situations and think on their feet.

What interviewers are evaluating

Strong improvisational skills
Ability to multitask and think on one's feet
Excellent grasp of the English language