How to Conduct a Memorable Interview: A Guide to Going Beyond the Surface

Conducting a memorable interview is less about sticking to a script and more about embracing the unknown. Trust your curiosity, ditch the bio, and be prepared to ask questions that even you don't know the answers to. This approach not only makes for a more engaging conversation but also allows you to connect with your guests on a deeper level. So the next time you find yourself in the interviewer's chair, remember: the best conversations happen when you're willing to venture into the unknown.

Trust Your Curiosity

Hey, let's get real for a second. You know those interviews where the host is just reading off a list of questions, and it feels like they're just going through the motions? Yeah, we've all seen them, and they're a snooze fest. So, how do you avoid that? Simple. Trust your curiosity.

You see, curiosity is an amazing tool we all have, but not everyone uses it. When you're genuinely curious about someone, you're not just asking questions for the sake of asking questions. You're diving into their world, trying to understand what makes them tick. And that's where the magic happens.

You don't need to be a seasoned journalist to do this. Heck, you don't even need to have any interviewing experience. All you need is to be genuinely interested in the person you're talking to. Let your curiosity guide you. If something they say sparks another question in your mind, go for it. Don't stick to a script; let the conversation flow naturally. Trust me, your audience will thank you for it.

Ditch the Bio

All right, let's talk about bios. You know, that long list of achievements, degrees, and whatnot that you feel like you have to read out when you introduce your guest. Here's the thing: nobody cares. Seriously. What people really want to know is why this person matters to you and what they can bring to the table.

So, instead of reading off a list of accomplishments, share a personal story or anecdote about your guest. Maybe it's something they've done that inspired you, or perhaps it's the reason you wanted them on your show in the first place. Whatever it is, make it personal. It sets the tone for a more intimate and meaningful conversation, and it immediately engages your audience.

And hey, if your guest is a big name, they've probably heard their bio read out loud a million times. Give them something fresh, something that shows you've done your homework and that you care about who they are, not just what they've done.

Ask Questions You Don't Know the Answers To

Now, this might sound like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people mess this up. If you're asking questions you already know the answers to, what's the point? Seriously, what are you hoping to achieve? A predictable, boring conversation? Nah, that's not what we're about.

The best interviews are the ones where even you, the interviewer, are on the edge of your seat, wondering where the conversation will go next. It's like being on an adventure, and who doesn't love a good adventure? So, throw out those safe, rehearsed questions and dive into the unknown.

And look, I get it. It's scary to ask questions you don't know the answers to. What if it leads the conversation off track? What if your guest doesn't want to answer? But here's the thing: it's in those moments of uncertainty that the most amazing conversations happen. So, take the plunge. Ask the questions that scare you. Trust me, it's worth it.

Go Beyond the Surface

All right, so you've asked a great question, and your guest has given you an answer. Now what? Do you move on to the next question on your list? Nope. You dig deeper. You see, the first answer is often just the tip of the iceberg. There's usually so much more beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered.

So, how do you go deeper? Listen. Really listen to what your guest is saying. If something they say surprises you or sparks another question in your mind, go for it. Don't be afraid to deviate from your list of prepared questions. Remember, the best interviews are unscripted.

And hey, don't worry about going too deep. If the question is important to you, it's worth asking. Your job as an interviewer is not to play it safe; it's to get to the heart of the matter. So, don't hold back. Ask the questions that matter to you, and let the conversation take you where it will.

Let Them Have the Final Word

As you wrap up the interview, it's tempting to have the last word. After all, it's your show, right? But here's a little secret: letting your guest have the final word can be incredibly powerful. It gives them a chance to summarize their thoughts, share their wisdom, and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Now, this doesn't mean you should let them off the hook with a generic answer. If their final word opens up a new avenue of discussion, be prepared to explore it. Ask follow-up questions, dig deeper, and make sure you're really getting to the heart of the matter.

At the end of the day, your job is to create a space where meaningful conversations can happen. So, give your guest the floor, let them share their wisdom, and watch as your interview transforms from a simple Q&A into a memorable, impactful conversation.

So there you have it, folks. The next time you find yourself in the interviewer's chair, remember these tips. Trust your curiosity, ditch the bio, ask the scary questions, go beyond the surface, and let your guest shine. Do that, and you won't just conduct an interview; you'll create a conversation that people will remember long after it's over.

#Curiosity #Authenticity #DeepDive