Pivoting

Definition

Pivoting is the technique of shifting the direction of an interview in response to new information or unexpected developments, allowing for a more fluid and engaging conversation. This approach helps interviewers adapt to the dynamic nature of interviews, especially when dealing with celebrities or public figures, where the conversation can take unexpected turns. It enhances the interview by uncovering deeper insights and maintaining a natural flow.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pivoting is crucial when interviews take unexpected turns, as it allows the interviewer to adjust their approach and keep the conversation relevant and engaging.
2. Successful pivoting can lead to revealing insights that may not have been uncovered through a strictly structured line of questioning.
3. Interviewers should remain attuned to verbal and non-verbal cues from public figures, as these signals can indicate when a pivot may be necessary.
4. Effective pivoting often requires a balance between staying on topic and exploring new avenues of discussion that arise spontaneously.
5. Preparation is key for pivoting; knowing background information about the interviewee can help identify opportunities for deeper exploration.

Review Questions

• How can active listening enhance the effectiveness of pivoting during interviews?
  • Active listening enhances pivoting by ensuring that interviewers are fully engaged with what the interviewee is saying. By focusing on verbal and non-verbal cues, interviewers can detect moments where pivoting might reveal more insightful information. This attentiveness allows for seamless transitions in questions, making the conversation feel natural and fluid while exploring deeper topics.
• What role do follow-up questions play in the pivoting process during celebrity interviews?
  • Follow-up questions are essential in the pivoting process as they provide a way to delve deeper into unexpected revelations from the interviewee. When an interviewee shares intriguing information, follow-up questions allow the interviewer to explore these points further, leading to richer content. This technique not only maintains audience interest but also helps build rapport with the interviewee by showing genuine curiosity.
• Evaluate how contextual awareness influences an interviewer's ability to pivot effectively in high-stakes celebrity interviews.
  • Contextual awareness greatly influences an interviewer's ability to pivot effectively in high-stakes celebrity interviews. By understanding the broader social, cultural, and personal context surrounding the public figure, the interviewer can make informed decisions about when and how to shift topics. This awareness helps identify sensitive areas or trending subjects that resonate with both the interviewee and audience, facilitating thoughtful pivots that enhance the overall quality of the interview.

Related terms

Active Listening: The practice of fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the interviewee is saying, which helps in effectively pivoting during conversations.

Follow-Up Questions: Questions that are asked in response to an interviewee's previous answers, often used to explore topics further and facilitate pivoting.

Contextual Awareness: The understanding of the circumstances surrounding an interview, which helps in deciding when and how to pivot effectively.