What have you learned that will help someone do a better interview?
I have found that people that conduct broadcast interviews each have their own style and their own little “bag of tricks” that helps them do the interviews well.
For instance one thing I do that is rarely used by others, is to ask the Floor Director to alter the count down for me. Instead of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, point. I have the Floor Director use 5, 4, breathe, 2, 1, point. See how I inserted breathe in there? Now for me, that reminds me to inhale just before my shot is coming on. By breathing at that point, my nervousness declines, my voice has more power, and I start off in a much better position. This trick works on radio or TV and is useful for any type of performance work in which you receive a countdown. As a far as I know I invented it myself, and I teach it in my class at broadcasting school.
The reason I bring this up is that we probably all have some “trick” that could help others with their interviews. I’ll bet some people rub a rabbit’s foot just before going on the air, or have worked out special signals with the Floor Director, have a special way of interacting with the guest, etc. Whatever. Here is your chance to share your special tip with the world. Can you tell us what you do that helps you to do a better interview that may help others as well?
Some things I have learned from interviewing people on RFF Radio is to do a little research so you can try to befriend your subject. People feel a lot more comfortable when they feel like they aren’t receiving the twenty questions treatment. Find out where they went to college or what their interests are. I knew Wally Bransen from “The Amazing Race” went to the University of Illinois and they were coming off a year when they almost went undefeated in college hoops. People like to talk about their alma maters or their hobbies.
Comment by Trevor — August 28, 2007 @ 10:34 am