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Graham Fraser's avatar

Very good advice. The only one I would add — which is implicit in your points — is “Listen! Don’t just wait for the chance to ask the next question you prepared.” Matt Galloway is very good at this; he listens intensely to what the interviewee is saying, and calmly asks him or her to explain something that was just said.

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TVdonyoung's avatar

Barbara Frum had a useful technique for wrapping up a long-winded interview...she would use the person's name in the context of a rhetorical question. As in...."Prime Minister Thatcher? Thank you for doing this." Useful column for all of us, Paul. Thanks.

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Chantal Gagnon's avatar

Once in a while, journalists interview me about my academic expertise. It's nice to learn what's going on on the other side. And as an occasional interviewee, I agree: being told that what we say is interesting helps relieve stress and encourages us to keep going.

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Doug Sweet's avatar

Great tips, Paul. Even an old dog can learn new stuff. To which I would only add more about the importance of the question "why?" The essence of so many good stories is found in the answer to that one.

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Tom Karsay's avatar

Jeez this is terrific. Loved the ref to Frank Rich, a great read. I always thought Mansbridge was a great interviewer. Main thing for me: you must listen!

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Balemans's avatar

Paul, thank you for sharing these 'tips'.

Being someone who likes to know how things work, these insights are truly invaluable.

Cheers.

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