Most people who are invited onto chat shows have
quit a bit of experience of basic interviews, so I'll not worry
too much about that now.
But you might meet a sort of variation on a chat
show; maybe you're one of three people who cycled up Mount Everest
together - so you'll be interviewed together.
The atmosphere is generally much more relaxed
than a straight one interviewer one guest situation, but there
are a couple of points to watch:
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If it's a live studio piece, try
to follow the interviewer's lead - if he addresses a question
to one of you, let that person answer. This is especially
important in small studios where the number of cameras is
limited. But be aware that your picture may be on screen
when one of the others is talking. Look interested. |
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Remember to tell stories. Don't
'label'. Just the mention of the snowmobile running out of
fuel will bring back vivid memories for you. But the viewer
needs you to spell out what happened and what you felt. |
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If the interview is recorded on
location, please avoid talking over another person's answer.
It's difficult sometimes not to do so, but it makes editing
an enormous problem.
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And if it's a recorded piece,
the director will almost certainly ask you to do a bit of
acting to help him edit. You'll be asked to listen to Don
on your left (even though he isn't talking now), then to
the interviewer, then back to Don, then nod and look to Arthur
on your right. Etc. Bear with it - it's all to help you and
your group of cyclists look good. But it does feel strange. |
That's covered the main kinds of interview.
There are all sorts of variations - many cookery programmes are
illustrated interviews, for instance - but you may not be doing
one of those until next week!
On the other hand you might well find
yourself involved in a press conference.
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