Subject

Definition

In the context of interviews, the term 'subject' refers to the individual or entity being interviewed or discussed. This includes their perspectives, experiences, and insights that are shared during the interview process. Understanding the subject is crucial as it shapes the narrative and provides depth to the documentary, ensuring authenticity and relatability in storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The choice of subject can significantly influence the direction and tone of the interview, affecting the overall impact of the documentary.
2. A good subject should be willing to share their story openly, providing rich details that enhance the narrative.
3. Interviewers often build rapport with their subjects to create a comfortable environment, encouraging honest and engaging dialogue.
4. Understanding a subject's background can help interviewers formulate better questions and facilitate deeper discussions.
5. The relationship between the interviewer and subject plays a crucial role in how effectively a subject can convey their thoughts and feelings.

Review Questions

• How does the choice of subject influence the overall narrative of a documentary?
  • The choice of subject plays a vital role in shaping the documentary's narrative as it determines the perspectives and experiences that are highlighted. A compelling subject can introduce unique viewpoints, emotional depth, and relatable stories that resonate with audiences. Therefore, selecting a subject who has rich experiences or insights can enhance the overall storytelling and engage viewers more effectively.
• What strategies can be employed to ensure that subjects feel comfortable during interviews?
  • To ensure subjects feel comfortable during interviews, interviewers can build rapport by establishing trust and creating a friendly atmosphere. This can involve starting with light conversation before delving into more personal topics. Additionally, being respectful, empathetic, and patient allows subjects to feel safe sharing their thoughts. Interviewers should also give subjects time to think and respond, which can lead to more genuine and in-depth answers.
• Evaluate how understanding a subject's context enhances the depth of an interview.
  • Understanding a subject's context greatly enhances the depth of an interview by providing background information that informs both the interviewer and audience about the factors shaping the subject's experiences. When interviewers have knowledge about cultural, social, or personal contexts, they can ask more insightful questions that lead to richer discussions. This connection allows for greater authenticity in storytelling as it frames how viewers perceive the subject's journey and challenges.

Related terms

Interviewee: The person who is being interviewed, providing their personal stories, opinions, and experiences.

Narrative: The structured account or story that emerges from the interviews, focusing on the subject's journey and context.

Context: The background information surrounding the subject's experiences, including their environment, culture, and circumstances that influence their story.