Street Interview Tips - NBCU Academy

Summary

The video script focuses on the approach and techniques of conducting successful man-on-the-street interviews. Emphasizing respect, transparency, and casual conversation, it highlights the importance of being approachable, patient, and persistent when engaging with people. The script discusses the value of asking clear, concise questions, offering a friendly demeanor, and understanding that rejection is part of the process. It also touches on specific scenarios, like interviewing shoppers during Black Friday, and provides tips for building rapport with diverse individuals to gather insightful opinions for news reporting.

Takeaways

• 😀 Approach people in a respectful and friendly manner when conducting man-on-the-street interviews.
• 😀 Be transparent with your intentions, introducing yourself and clearly explaining what you're hoping to discuss.
• 😀 Talk to people casually, just like you would with friends or family, to make them feel comfortable.
• 😀 Short and to-the-point interviews are often the most effective and well-received by audiences.
• 😀 Stay ready so you don't have to scramble when an opportunity arises to conduct an interview.
• 😀 Patience is key when trying to get people to talk; it may take time to engage them.
• 😀 Start casual conversations without immediately pulling out the camera to make people feel more at ease.
• 😀 Smiling and reassuring people that there are no wrong answers helps create a more relaxed environment for interviews.
• 😀 Don't take rejection personally—many people may decline to be interviewed, and that's part of the process.
• 😀 Embrace discomfort; it's normal to receive many rejections, but persistence leads to success.
• 😀 Building rapport with people from various cultures can help increase the likelihood of getting a positive response.

Q & A

What is the primary objective of a man-on-the-street interview?

The primary objective of a man-on-the-street interview is to approach random people in a public setting to gather their opinions on a particular topic or issue.

How should you approach people during a man-on-the-street interview?

You should approach people in a respectful and friendly manner, be transparent about who you are, and explain what you're hoping to discuss with them.

Why is it important to talk to people casually during interviews?

Talking to people casually, as you would with friends or family, helps to create a comfortable environment, making them more likely to share their opinions.

What is the key to conducting a successful man-on-the-street interview?

The key is to keep the interview short and to the point, ensuring that the conversation remains engaging and easy for the interviewee to follow.

How do you increase the chances of a person agreeing to an interview?

Starting the conversation casually and with a friendly approach, such as commenting on their recent shopping experience, makes them more likely to agree to participate.

What is a crucial element to maintaining a positive attitude during interviews?

It’s essential not to take it personally when people decline to be interviewed. Patience and persistence are key, as not everyone will agree to participate.

How can you build rapport with potential interviewees?

You can build rapport by being polite, smiling, and making the person feel comfortable. This helps them to trust you and feel more willing to share their thoughts.

What should you do if you face many rejections during the interview process?

Embrace the discomfort of rejection. Understand that it’s part of the process, and remember that for every few people you approach, you’ll likely secure one interview.

How do cultural differences affect man-on-the-street interviews?

During interviews, you'll encounter people from different cultural backgrounds. It's important to be respectful and open-minded to foster a positive interaction.

Why is it important to approach people without the camera at first?

Approaching people without the camera first helps ease their nerves and makes them feel more comfortable, as they don’t feel immediately put on the spot.