Studio Interviewing (2)
Interview one plus two
Conducting an interview with two people is obviously twice as tricky as with one, chiefly because of the need to play fair by each participant. For even if the two interviewees are theoretically on ‘the same side’, it is important that both should have their say, as much for the sake of good television as for balance. It is not always enough to ask each the same question in turn: this can be far too slow and predictable. The interviewer’s skill comes in being able to pick up one answer and use it to move the subject smoothly forward, so by the end of the allotted time a satisfactory amount of ground has been covered and a range of interviews heard.
Firmness counts
Where the participants have strongly opposing views it is important not to let the interview become a succession of claims and counter-claims. Resist the temptation to deliberately light the fuse and retire to enjoy the fireworks. Although a good row between interviewees can produce spectacular viewing, it is just as likely to degenerate into childishness which quickly becomes very boring. Far better not to let things get out of control from the beginning. Firmness is essential, otherwise you may find yourself a virtual spectator as the ‘ball’ is batted across from one side to the other. Assert your authority as politely as possible, making sure you do not appear to be in favour of one or other of the arguments.
Setting up the studio for the one plus two may be less problematical than may seem obvious. If three cameras are available, one can cover both speakers in single shots if they sit opposite you side-by-side. But it is important to have separate microphones for each person.
Interview one plus more than two
It is arguable whether multi-participant interviews are of much editorial value within a news-type programme of limited duration. There never seems to be enough time available to give everyone a decent hearing. From a production point of view, too, such interviews can be difficult unless a proper set has been built to accommodate large numbers.
On the rare occasions when you are faced with interviews of this type, take time out from your research to help advise on seating arrangements. Without preparation, the production team will be unable to direct the cameras and microphones at the right people when they speak.
One plus two
An unusual combination: one interviewer and two interviewees. Sky News, recruited politicians with opposing views–Norman Tebbit (Conservative) and Austin Mitchell (Labour)–to quiz guests for a regular programme. (courtesy Sky News)
Live interview dos
• DO know your subject. There’s no better way of keeping your interviewee’s respect and interest.
• DO prepare your questions in advance.
• DO listen to the answers and be ready with supplementaries.
• DO wait for a breath pause or natural break in speech flow if you have to interrupt.
• DO keep the inteviewee to the subject under discussion.
• DO be persistent if you can’t get answers to legitimate questions. But judge when enough is enough.
• DO not be tempted to defer to an interviewee who is famous or powerful.
• DO nurture the nervous. If an interviewee has a tendency to avoid eye-contact ask a direct question to attract greater attention.
• DO give time for thought: silence can be telling.
• DO keep control of your facial expressions. Raising your eyebrows or nodding your head could be interpreted as comment.
• DO remember that it’s your job to ask questions, not to take part in a debate.
• DO avoid putting words into people’s mouths: ‘What I think you are trying to say, Mr Bloggs, is …’
• DO remember who you are interviewing. ‘Drying’ is quite natural under pressure. Write the subject’s name and title on your script.
• DO listen to control-room talkback.
• DO try to pace yourself so the interview comes to a smooth conclusion.
• DO keep to the time you have been allotted. Finishing earlier or later than planned will disturb programme balance.
• DO remember you have the privilege of being able to ask the questions the average person would like to put, given the opportunity. You are representing the audience, no-one else.
Live interview don’ts
• DON’T assume the audience shares any specialist knowledge you may have.
• DON’T stick rigidly to prepared questions and ignore the answers.
• DON’T make statements. The interviewee may not know when to answer.
• DON’T make statements of your own in the form of questions. You aren’t taking part in a debate.
• DON’T as a rule refer to interviewees by their first names: it can sound patronising.
• DON’T talk at the same time as your subject.
• DON’T bicker or lose your temper under provocation.
• DON’T be intimidated by an overbearing interviewee.
• DON’T bully or hector an interviewee who is unimportant or inarticulate.
• DON’T go easy on someone just because you sympathise.
• DON’T jump in with another question if an interviewee hesitates: allow a few seconds for recovery.
• DON’T let your own opinions come through. No-one is interested.
• DON’T respond to answers with ‘I see’, ‘yes’ or semi-audible grunts. It could be habit-forming.
• DON’T ask leading questions: ‘… and then I believe you saw the fire-engine coming round the corner at sixty miles an hour …’
• DON’T enter into little intimacies or conspiracies with the interviewee to the exclusion of the viewer. ‘You and I both remember what happened after that wonderful meal in Paris … but we’d better not talk about that, ha, ha.’
• DON’T ignore the floor-manager’s signals. They are there to help you.
• DON’T cut your interviewee off with a brusque ‘Sorry, we are out of time.’
• DON’T FORGET that you have the privilege of being able to ask the questions the average person would like to put, given the opportunity. You are representing the audience, no-one else.