During the Olympics, some hosts were criticized for lacking empathy, with their interview style resembling an interrogation. This post will emphasize the importance of empathy in hosting and discuss how to show understanding and respect to interviewees while maintaining professionalism.
Why is Empathy So Important?
In hosting and interviewing, empathy is the foundation of building good relationships and fostering deep conversations. Empathy not only makes interviewees feel understood and respected but also conveys warmth and sincerity to the audience. I remember hosting a charity event where I met a beneficiary who had experienced significant setbacks. By expressing empathy, I successfully encouraged him to open up and share many touching stories, which moved the audience deeply.
How to Show Empathy in Hosting?
Active Listening: In interviews, active listening is the first step to showing empathy. Make the interviewee feel that you are interested in and value what they are saying. Avoid interrupting, maintain eye contact, and nod to show you are engaged.
2. Emotional Responses: Respond appropriately to the interviewee's emotions. For instance, if they share a touching story, you might say, "That’s a very moving story, thank you for sharing."
3. Open-Ended Questions: Use open-ended questions to give interviewees more space to express themselves. Instead of asking, "Do you think this is good?" ask, "How has this experience affected you?"
4. Respect and Understanding: Regardless of the interviewee's views, show respect and understanding. Avoid biased or judgmental tones, making the interviewee feel safe and respected.
5. Share Your Feelings: Sometimes, sharing your feelings can strengthen the connection. For example, "I can understand how you feel because I’ve had similar experiences."
My Story
When I first started, I hosted live shows at Interactive Television under Mr. Robert Chua, interviewing prominent figures like Mr. Albert Cheng, Ms. Audrey Eu, and Mr. Ivan Ho Sau Sun. As a newcomer, completing interviews smoothly was a significant achievement.
One time, I interviewed Edward Lam. Since the topic was light, he shared some personal experiences. By listening empathetically and respecting his sharing, he gradually opened up about very personal matters. The director even whispered in my ear, "He trusts you too much, discussing such private topics. Remember to steer back to the main topic!" This experience taught me that empathy can help interviewees open up, enhancing the quality of the interview.
Conclusion
Empathy plays a crucial role in hosting and interviewing. By actively listening, responding emotionally, asking open-ended questions, showing respect and understanding, and sharing your feelings, we can maintain professionalism while making interviewees feel comfortable and respected. I hope today's insights help you show more empathy in your future hosting endeavors, improving the quality and appeal of your programs.
Next week, we will discuss the art of questioning: balancing professionalism and engagement. Stay tuned!
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