How do you learn to ask great questions like Chicago Public Radios Gretchen Helfrich (Odyssey radio program)?
I’ve never heard Gretchen Helfrich, but I host my own public radio interview program, so I can speak to this a bit. The first element is preparation. For a half hour interview, I usually spend at least two or three hours preparing, and that’s when I’m already familiar with the guest. I know what’s going to be fruitful ahead of time, and I also know when the guest says something surprising, because I know what they’ve said before. Some general tips: * People are generally most interesting and eloquent when they’re talking about what they’re passionate about. One of the things you’re trying to do is tap into that passion. * You mentioned curiosity, that’s really important. Seems obvious, but if you feel curious about something during an interview, your audience may well feel the same way. * I never write questions before an interview. I usually make sure there are some areas I know I want to talk about, and I have sort of in my head some general qu
I’ve never heard Gretchen Helfrich either, but I am the executive producer of a public radio program, so I can speak to this a bit as well. The first element is preparation. For a half hour interview, I usually read their book or read 20-30 pages of material about them if they are not authors. I am usually not familiar with guests, but I am often familiar with the particularities of their faith traditions or viewpoints. Some general tips: * People usually want to talk about what they have written or talked about. I usually let them tell me what they think is important, challenge their beliefs and what they perceive are truths, and then look deeper into how they formed their opinions. * Curiousity is very important, but more important is active listening. Active listening is really only possible if you know your questions and the subject. It is also hard when you have the guest by phone or ISDN, so knowledge and prepared follow-up questions a
