During the Paris Olympics, the interviewing techniques of TV hosts became a hot topic. Some were praised for their professionalism and well-placed questions, while others were criticized for their interrogative tone. This blog will explore how to maintain a professional yet friendly tone during interviews, making interviewees feel comfortable, and share some practical interviewing tips.
Why Are Interviewing Skills So Important?
For MCs and hosts, interviewing skills are crucial. A successful interview not only encourages interviewees to share valuable information but also demonstrates the show's professionalism and friendliness to the audience. I remember a time when I interviewed a well-known entrepreneur at a major event. Through precise questioning and appropriate guidance, I was able to elicit deep insights, earning high praise from the audience.
How to Improve Interviewing Skills?
Thorough Preparation: Before the interview, do your homework. Understand the interviewee's background, experiences, and relevant topics. This not only makes your questions more targeted but also shows your professionalism and sincerity to the interviewee.
2. Stay Focused: During the interview, concentrate and be ready to adjust your questions as needed. Avoid interrupting the interviewee and give them ample time to express their views.
3. Use Open-Ended Questions: Open-ended questions prompt the interviewee to provide more detailed and in-depth answers. For instance, instead of asking, "Do you like this sport?" ask, "How has this sport impacted your life?"
4. Follow Up Appropriately: Based on the interviewee's answers, follow up with questions that dig deeper into valuable information. For example, "You mentioned this technology has greatly impacted your career. Could you elaborate on the details?"
5. Maintain a Friendly and Professional Tone: Ensure your tone is friendly and professional, avoiding making the interviewee feel pressured. For example, some hosts during the Paris Olympics were criticized for having an interrogative tone, which made interviewees uncomfortable. We should aim to use a warm and open tone in our interviews.
My Story
I recall hosting a corporate meeting where I interviewed a highly experienced entrepreneur. His rich background and experience could make him seem distant. I did extensive preparation beforehand, designing open-ended questions. Through our interaction, I guided him to share many interesting stories, allowing the audience to feel his friendliness and wisdom. This successful interview made me realize the importance of preparation and technique in conducting interviews.
Conclusion
Mastering interviewing skills is essential for MCs and hosts. By thorough preparation, staying focused, using open-ended questions, following up appropriately, and maintaining a friendly and professional tone, we can enhance the quality of our interviews, benefiting both the interviewees and the audience. I hope today's insights help you excel in future interviews.
Next week, we will discuss the importance of empathy in hosting. Stay tuned!
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