When I was in political life TV and Radio reporters interviewed me with monotonous regularity. It was mostly local radio and regional television, but from time to time a story would go national or there would be something of significance that would be seen by rather a lot of people.

Radio liked me, or at least invited me back often. Because I had a transport brief and (apparently) lots of their listeners are travelling or are about to travel - so would be interested in what I had to say. I was also up for it. I regarded it as my job to justify or at least explain what was going on.

They would also get me on to talk about things like by-election results and so forth.

But I think beyond all of that they kept inviting me back because, and sorry if it comes across as arrogant, I had something to say and sounded as if I meant it. Generally that was because I did mean it. Sounding honest and well briefed is generally easier if you are well briefed and being honest. Like it says on the tin, as the saying goes.

I suppose if I had a political skill (and there are plenty of people who would claim I didn’t) it was in keeping my mouth shut on things I didn’t know much about and in not getting on to subjects where I didn’t want to justify a policy that I didn’t agree with.

I had something of an advantage as I did bits of radio presenting before working life took over, so got to interview a bunch of interesting people both from music and from the political world. Without a doubt the best and most interesting of whom was Shirley Williams at the time the SDP was established. She completely shredded me - but I learned more from that interview than from any I did on the opposite side of the mike.

I instinctively prefer radio. I’ve grown up with Today and the rest of BBC radio and I like the time radio provides to develop an argument and debate a point. Live is always best, whether it is TV or radio: you have to be sharper and if you do the work you can make a real impact.

Some of the interviews I have seen recently, even of experienced people made me think just how badly rehearsed and/or advised some people allow themselves to be. How to avoid looking ridiculous? Try these pointers:

• The most important interview you will ever do is your next one.
• Don’t under estimate local radio reporters - they talk to a lot of people every day, they usually know their patch - almost certainly better than you do.
• When you are talking to a BBC reporter, best to assume that you are talking to Paxman - because you could end up doing so if you’re not careful.
• Don’t make a claim that you can’t stand up in your next answer. Ever.
• Do your homework, but don’t be a parrot.
• Remember they all THINK they are Humphries these days - the trick is to be courteous and politely tell them that you were about to answer their question when you were interrupted.
• If anyone offers you training, accept!
• You are the worst person to listen to about yourself - get someone to advise you and listen to them.
• No matter how rich or important you think you are, never, ever appear of TV alongside what appears to be an inflatable woman!