How to Interview “Almost” Anyone | Mike Dronkers | TEDxHumboldtBay

Summary

This talk offers practical tips for conducting interviews, even without being an expert in the subject. The speaker shares insights on preparing for interviews, such as researching the guest and leveraging previous verbal interviews. Key strategies include using icebreakers, active listening, and allowing pauses to create meaningful exchanges. The real secret, however, lies in cultivating curiosity—genuinely engaging with your guest's story, no matter their background. By focusing on curiosity and creating a comfortable environment, you can turn any interview into a compelling and insightful conversation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Preparation is key: Don't wing it. Even if you're not an expert, basic research shows respect for your guest.
• 😀 Use previous interviews as a springboard: Leverage answers from past interviews to guide your conversation, like the Terry Gross method.
• 😀 Verbal interviews are more insightful: Look for interviews done in-person or verbally to capture the nuances of social cues and spontaneity.
• 😀 Icebreakers are useful: Start with something relevant but light to make your guest feel at ease, especially when speaking to someone more experienced or intimidating.
• 😀 Active listening is critical: Pay attention fully, without thinking about your next question. Your guest's words will guide the conversation.
• 😀 Embrace silence: Sometimes letting a pause or awkward silence fill the space can lead to unexpected, insightful responses.
• 😀 Be genuinely curious: Cultivating curiosity across all aspects of life makes you more adaptable in conversations and interviews.
• 😀 Everyone has something valuable to share: Whether it's a Nobel laureate or a homeless person, there's something to learn from every person's story.
• 😀 Don't forget the basics: Ask questions that are meaningful and respectful to the person’s experience, whether it’s about their career or something personal.
• 😀 Be present in the conversation: Focus on engaging with your guest without distractions, making sure they feel heard and valued.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the speaker’s talk?

The speaker discusses how to conduct great interviews, even when you are not an expert on the subject matter, by focusing on listening, preparation, and curiosity.

What is the key piece of advice the speaker received about interviewing?

The most valuable advice was to 'shut up'—meaning to give the guest space to talk, listen actively, and avoid interrupting or over-directing the conversation.

Why does the speaker emphasize doing some preparation before interviews?

Preparation shows respect for the guest, prevents the interviewer from appearing arrogant or lazy, and allows for more thoughtful, meaningful questions.

What is the 'Terry Gross move' mentioned in the talk?

The 'Terry Gross move' involves finding previous interviews with the guest, noting their answers, and using those as jumping-off points for deeper follow-up questions rather than repeating what’s already been asked.

Why does the speaker prefer finding verbal interviews rather than written ones?

Verbal interviews reveal tone, personality, and social cues such as nervousness or confidence, helping the interviewer better understand how to approach the guest authentically.

What kind of interviews does the speaker suggest looking for to uncover unique insights?

The speaker recommends finding small, low-stakes interviews—like those done by student or community radio stations—because guests are often more relaxed and unguarded in those settings.

How does the speaker suggest using icebreakers effectively?

Icebreakers should be relevant to the topic or guest, helping to ease tension naturally without feeling forced—for example, asking how someone transitioned from poetry to geology.

What is ‘dead air chicken,’ and why does the speaker use it?

‘Dead air chicken’ is the practice of letting a silence hang during a conversation, encouraging the guest to fill the gap—often revealing deeper, more spontaneous insights.

According to the speaker, what quality makes for the best interviews?

Genuine curiosity—the willingness to be interested in everything and everyone—creates engaging, meaningful conversations and helps the interviewer learn from every person they meet.

What does the Emerson quote mentioned by the speaker illustrate?

The quote, 'Every man I meet is my superior in some way, and in that I learn from him,' reinforces the idea that everyone has something valuable to teach if you remain open and curious.

What overall outcome does the speaker believe comes from practicing curiosity in interviews and life?

Cultivating curiosity not only improves interviews but also enriches personal growth, as it helps people connect with diverse perspectives and appreciate others’ stories.