Katie Couric on how to conduct a good interview

Summary

In this insightful interview, Katie Couric shares her expertise on what makes a good interviewer. She emphasizes the importance of being a gracious host to make interviewees comfortable and tailoring the tone based on the conversation. Katie discusses how preparation, listening, and the ability to pivot during an interview can lead to more engaging and meaningful exchanges. She also reflects on challenging interview experiences and gives advice for newcomers in journalism, stressing the importance of serving the audience and allowing interview subjects to communicate their message effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 A good interviewer should be a gracious host, making the interviewee feel comfortable to get the best results.
• 😀 Body language plays a critical role in making someone feel at ease during an interview.
• 😀 The tone of the interview should be adjusted based on the subject matter and the person being interviewed.
• 😀 Empathy is essential in some interviews, but one must also know when to be more direct or assertive, depending on the context.
• 😀 Preparing for an interview involves asking open-ended questions to avoid yes/no responses and being ready with appropriate follow-ups.
• 😀 Listening attentively is crucial—interviewers should pick up on inconsistencies or interesting points to dive deeper into the conversation.
• 😀 It’s important for interviewers to be adaptable and veer off scripted questions based on the interviewee’s responses.
• 😀 Sometimes, interviews can go wrong when interviewees freeze or aren't fully engaged. This can be challenging, but it's important to remain professional.
• 😀 Interviewers should remember that the goal is to serve the audience, providing valuable insights and information, not focusing on a self-promotional agenda.
• 😀 A good interview should aim to shed light on the interviewee’s thoughts and opinions, allowing them to communicate their message clearly.
• 😀 Newcomers in the industry should keep in mind that the interview’s purpose is to inform and enlighten, rather than catch the interviewee off guard.

Q & A

What is the key to being a good interviewer, according to Katie Couric?

Katie Couric believes that being a gracious host is crucial. Creating a comfortable environment helps the interviewee feel at ease, leading to a better interview. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and adjusting one's tone depending on the situation.

How does Katie Couric prepare for an interview?

Katie Couric prepares by crafting questions that don't require simple 'yes' or 'no' answers. She also anticipates how the interviewee might respond and considers appropriate follow-up questions. Additionally, she reviews past interviews or the subject’s stance on various topics to guide her approach.

What does Katie Couric consider the most important element of an interview?

Katie highlights the importance of listening. A good interviewer should not just go through a list of questions but should engage with the answers given, exploring inconsistencies or new angles to deepen the conversation.

Why does Katie Couric criticize interviewers who don't follow up on answers?

Katie finds it frustrating when interviewers don't pick up on important points or inconsistencies in an interviewee's responses. She believes it's crucial to ask follow-up questions to explore topics more deeply, especially when something new or relevant is revealed.

Can you recall any interviews that went badly for Katie Couric?

Yes, Katie Couric shares a couple of frustrating experiences. One involved an actor who didn’t want to be there and gave minimal responses. Another instance was with a member of the Flying Wenda, who gave monosyllabic answers, making it hard to get her to elaborate.

What mistake did Katie Couric make during her interview with Bobcat Goldthwait?

Katie admitted that she didn’t realize Bobcat Goldthwait's yelling was part of his comedic act. She kept asking him why he was yelling, which was embarrassing as she missed the context of his shtick.

What does Katie Couric think is the role of an interviewer?

Katie believes that the interviewer’s job is to inform and enlighten the audience. The goal is to shed light on the interviewee's thoughts and positions, not to create a 'gotcha' moment or showcase the interviewer’s knowledge.

How important is body language for an interviewer, according to Katie Couric?

Body language plays a significant role in making the interviewee feel comfortable. Katie Couric emphasizes that being warm and welcoming helps put the subject at ease, which is key to facilitating a successful interview.

What is the best way to handle difficult or uncooperative interviewees?

Katie suggests that interviewers must remain calm and composed when dealing with difficult subjects. It’s important to be persistent but respectful, asking questions that elicit meaningful responses, even if the interviewee is evasive.

What advice does Katie Couric give to aspiring interviewers?

Katie advises aspiring interviewers to always keep the audience in mind. The goal is to inform and allow the interviewee to communicate their message clearly, rather than making the interview about the interviewer’s own agenda or knowledge.