Journal #3 NPR Interview Analysis

I recently listened to an interview on NPR. The show was Fresh Air hosted by Terry Gross. She interviewed Mike White -- a writer who has written the screenplays for such Comedies as School of Rock and Nacho Libre, and his father, Mel White -- a gay activist who has devoted his time to stop religious oppression towards gays. The father and son pair were partners in the popular reality show Amazing Race.

It seemed as if the interviewer knew both of men relatively well mostly because she had interviewed both men individually on separate occasions. Although she had previously interviewed these men, the topic of this interview was different and it did seem as if the interviewer was well prepared.

Most of the questions asked by the interviewer seemed to be well thought out, but more importantly they gave the two men being interviewed a chance to expand on the question and talk about the issues they wanted to. It was almost as if the questions were a sort of forum for the interview subjects to discuss their view points.

The interviewer seemed to build up to her questions by giving a little background to back up her point. For example, when she was going to ask a question about how it felt to be on the reality show, she would cite specific examples from the show. This gave her instant credibility on the topic. She also did a good job with follow up questions. Whenever either of the two men would respond with something interesting, she made sure to follow up. It seemed as if the strategy of the interviewer was to give the two men a forum to speak on. Because one of the men was talking about the serious issue of oppression against gays in the church, it seemed as if the interviewer knew that and wanted to give the men a chance to express how they felt.

The two men seemed very kind, honest and sincere so there were not too many questions that they shied away from. The interviewer was also very modest about the questions she asked. The interviewer seemed to have a very friendly relationship with the both men. She had interviewed both of them previously and drew back on numerous things that they had discussed before. This also allowed the interview to be very conversational and at the same time informative.

The main thing I learned about interviewing from listening to this one is the fact if you are prepared you will sound much more intelligent. It seemed to help that they had a past relationship as well. I also learned that when interviewing someone, give them questions that are intelligent, but at the same time allow them to expand on them and give great incite. This is what Terry Gross did very well.