At the John Schofield Trust’s September masterclass, our fellows had the privilege of learning from an esteemed panel of industry experts: Keir Simmons, Chief International Correspondent at NBC; Liv Marks, Senior Entertainment Reporter for Bauer; and Emiliano Mellin, Journalist at The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ). The session, centered around the art of interviewing, delivered invaluable insights into the delicate balance of preparation, rapport-building, and managing difficult conversations.
Key Takeaways:
- Preparation is Key
Researching thoroughly is essential. Knowing the background and interests of the interviewee not only leads to more meaningful questions but can also help the conversation flow smoothly. Keir Simmons stressed the importance of prepping for years if necessary, as seen in his decade-long journey to secure an interview with Vladimir Putin. - Building Rapport
Establishing a connection with interviewees, whether they are celebrities or everyday individuals, is crucial. Liv Marks emphasised how she prepares by watching previous interviews to gauge her subject’s personality, sharing how she opened her interview with Lady Gaga by asking her how she was feeling—something Gaga often does with her interviewers. This small act of rapport-building can have a profound impact on the interview’s outcome. - Navigating Difficult Conversations
Both Keir and Emiliano Mellin discussed the importance of knowing when to push on tough topics and when to step back. Maintaining a respectful tone while staying assertive ensures that the conversation remains productive, even when broaching sensitive subjects. - Challenging and Fact-Checking
Assertiveness and professionalism must be balanced when fact-checking during an interview. The panelists explained how to correct or challenge responses in real-time without disrupting the flow, demonstrating the importance of staying flexible yet prepared. - Tone and Strategy
A successful interview often hinges on adaptability. Listening carefully and allowing the conversation to evolve naturally rather than sticking rigidly to a script enables interviewers to ask more open and revealing questions, leading to a richer dialogue.
Though this masterclass was not recorded, however you can watch our previous sessions by following our YouTube channel.