🎙️Art of the Interview Unit 7 – Broadcast Interview Techniques

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Broadcast interviews involve conducting interviews for television or radio programs
• Interviewers aim to gather information, opinions, and insights from interviewees (guests, experts, public figures)
• Open-ended questions encourage interviewees to provide detailed and thoughtful responses
• Closed-ended questions elicit specific, brief answers (yes/no, facts, figures)
• Follow-up questions help clarify points, explore topics further, and keep the conversation flowing
• Active listening involves paying close attention to the interviewee's responses and using verbal and nonverbal cues to show engagement
• Soundbites are short, memorable quotes or statements that capture the essence of the interviewee's message
• B-roll refers to supplemental footage (cutaways, establishing shots) used to visually enhance the interview

Types of Broadcast Interviews

• One-on-one interviews feature a single interviewer and interviewee, allowing for in-depth discussions
• Panel interviews involve multiple interviewees discussing a topic, often with a moderator facilitating the conversation
• Remote interviews are conducted when the interviewer and interviewee are in different locations, using video conferencing or satellite technology
• Live interviews occur in real-time, requiring the interviewer to think on their feet and adapt to unexpected situations
• Pre-recorded interviews are conducted in advance and edited before broadcast, allowing for more control over the final product
• Ambush interviews involve approaching subjects without prior arrangement, often used for investigative journalism or confronting controversial figures
• Soft news interviews focus on human interest stories, entertainment, or lifestyle topics, often having a more casual tone

Pre-Interview Preparation

• Research the interviewee's background, expertise, and recent activities to develop informed questions
• Identify the key points and objectives of the interview, ensuring they align with the program's goals
• Prepare a list of questions that cover the main topics and allow for flexibility based on the interviewee's responses
  • Organize questions in a logical sequence, starting with broad topics and narrowing down to specific points
  • Include a mix of open-ended and closed-ended questions to vary the pace and depth of the conversation
• Anticipate potential challenges or sensitive issues that may arise during the interview and plan appropriate ways to address them
• Communicate with the interviewee or their representatives to discuss the interview format, duration, and any specific requirements or preferences
• Familiarize yourself with the technical aspects of the interview setup (microphones, cameras, lighting) to ensure a smooth and professional production

Setting Up the Interview

• Choose a location that is appropriate for the interview topic and provides a visually appealing background
• Ensure the space is quiet and free from distractions (background noise, foot traffic, visual clutter)
• Position the interviewee and interviewer in a way that allows for comfortable eye contact and natural conversation
  • For one-on-one interviews, seating arrangements should facilitate a face-to-face discussion
  • In panel interviews, participants should be seated in a way that allows for easy interaction and clear sightlines
• Test audio equipment (microphones, recording devices) to ensure clear and consistent sound quality
• Adjust lighting to create a well-lit, flattering appearance for the interviewee and interviewer
• Conduct a brief pre-interview discussion with the interviewee to build rapport, review the interview format, and address any concerns

Effective Questioning Techniques

• Begin with an open-ended question to help the interviewee feel comfortable and establish a conversational tone
• Use a mix of question types (open-ended, closed-ended, hypothetical, reflective) to elicit diverse responses and maintain interest
• Ask one question at a time, allowing the interviewee sufficient time to respond before moving on to the next point
• Avoid leading questions that suggest a desired answer or bias the interviewee's response
• Use follow-up questions to clarify points, explore interesting ideas, and encourage the interviewee to elaborate on their answers
• Employ active listening techniques to demonstrate engagement and guide the conversation based on the interviewee's responses
• Be prepared to deviate from planned questions when unexpected or compelling information arises during the interview
• Maintain a neutral, non-judgmental tone throughout the interview to create a safe and open environment for the interviewee

Active Listening and Follow-up

• Pay close attention to the interviewee's responses, both verbal and nonverbal, to fully understand their perspective
• Use nonverbal cues (nodding, eye contact, leaning in) to show interest and encourage the interviewee to continue speaking
• Employ verbal affirmations ("I see," "go on," "interesting") to acknowledge the interviewee's points without interrupting their flow
• Paraphrase or summarize key points to ensure understanding and provide a natural transition to follow-up questions
• Ask probing questions to delve deeper into interesting or unclear aspects of the interviewee's responses
  • "Can you tell me more about...?"
  • "How did that experience affect your perspective on...?"
• Avoid interrupting the interviewee, allowing them to complete their thoughts before asking follow-up questions
• Listen for opportunities to ask unplanned questions that arise from the conversation, demonstrating genuine curiosity and adaptability

Managing Time and Pacing

• Allocate sufficient time for each segment of the interview, ensuring a balanced coverage of all planned topics
• Begin with shorter, simpler questions to establish a rhythm and help the interviewee feel at ease
• Gradually increase the complexity and depth of questions as the interview progresses, building on the interviewee's responses
• Be mindful of the overall time constraints, adjusting the pace and number of questions as needed to fit within the allotted duration
• Use transitions and segues to smoothly move between topics and maintain a coherent flow throughout the interview
• Monitor the interviewee's energy levels and engagement, adapting the pace and tone to maintain their interest and enthusiasm
• Leave adequate time for closing questions and final thoughts, allowing the interviewee to summarize their key points and leave a lasting impression

Handling Challenging Situations

• Maintain composure and professionalism when faced with difficult or evasive interviewees, avoiding emotional reactions or confrontational language
• Prepare for potential challenges by anticipating sensitive topics or controversial opinions and developing strategies to address them tactfully
• Rephrase questions or approach topics from different angles if the interviewee is unresponsive or provides incomplete answers
• Use silence strategically to encourage the interviewee to elaborate or reconsider their response
• Redirect the conversation back to relevant topics if the interviewee goes off-track or becomes repetitive
• Address factual inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the interviewee's responses by presenting evidence or requesting clarification
• Remain impartial and objective, even when the interviewee expresses views that conflict with your own or the program's stance

Post-Interview Analysis and Improvement

• Review the recorded interview to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in your interviewing technique
• Assess the quality and relevance of the interviewee's responses, considering how well they aligned with the interview's objectives
• Evaluate the overall structure and flow of the interview, noting any awkward transitions, missed opportunities, or redundant questions
• Seek feedback from colleagues, producers, or mentors to gain additional insights and constructive criticism
• Reflect on your own performance, considering factors such as your questioning style, active listening skills, and ability to adapt to unexpected situations
• Identify key takeaways and lessons learned from the interview experience, using them to inform and refine your approach for future interviews
• Continuously update your knowledge of interviewing best practices, staying current with industry trends and techniques
• Seek opportunities to practice and hone your interviewing skills through workshops, mock interviews, and real-world experience