Interview Techniques for Creative Media Production
BBC Interview - David Cameron (21st of February 2016)
The overall style of this interview reflects the BBC, it is formal and intellectual. Both the interviewer and interviewee are dressed in a formal fashion of suit and tie. They both use formal language and body language and ensure the interview stays formal throughout.
The questions asked throughout the interview are open questions, the topic of the interview is political. What Andrew Marr is trying to do throughout the interview is ask questions which will lead David Cameron to extend on, the questions asked are open ended. The questions are open ended so that the public is able to see exactly what David Cameron is thinking and what his views on the subject are, they are designed to get answer which the public doesn't/does want to hear.
The questions used within this interview are multiple answer questions, they are also suggestive questions. The aim is to get as much information out of David Cameron, by asking multiple answer questions it allows Cameron to go on about different topics without too much interruption from the interviewer.
The style of the interview is hard news, the whole point in the interview is to discuss the topic on Britain leaving the EU. The interview is set up for the public to hear David Cameron, who was the current Prime Minister's opinions and views towards the subject and his opinions on other parties and their campaigns.
The first question which Andrew Marr asks is 'Can you tell them why they should be voting to stay in the EU?'. Straight away this addresses what the interview will be about, it focuses on the subject rather than the person being interview. As the interview moves on the questions become more in depth, they begin to discuss other party leaders and their promises and what Cameron thinks about them. Over the short time in which this interview is held Cameron has already discussed many of the main issues and has covered the key questions about the interview subject. He has given in depth answers with Andrew Marr asking very few questions but just furthering Cameron's answers.
Throughout the interview Andrew Marr will ask Cameron a question then, waiting to allow Cameron to discuss his answer. Though at times Andrew Marr interrupts Cameron to try and get him to focus on one thing he said, often something which could be contradicted. There is one key part where Andrew Marr addresses body language, he asks Cameron if he is prepared to look into the camera and speak directly to the public. This mean he has to address the public, it is no longer just an interview between two people, it brings in the millions of viewers as well. This is something key to the BBC as they are a broadcaster for the public, therefore the interviews which it airs should address the public as well.
As I've mentioned throughout Andrew Marr is constantly feeding Cameron more subjects to which he can further discuss, therefore gathering the most information without having to work too hard for it.
The questions asked throughout the interview are open questions, the topic of the interview is political. What Andrew Marr is trying to do throughout the interview is ask questions which will lead David Cameron to extend on, the questions asked are open ended. The questions are open ended so that the public is able to see exactly what David Cameron is thinking and what his views on the subject are, they are designed to get answer which the public doesn't/does want to hear.
The questions used within this interview are multiple answer questions, they are also suggestive questions. The aim is to get as much information out of David Cameron, by asking multiple answer questions it allows Cameron to go on about different topics without too much interruption from the interviewer.
The style of the interview is hard news, the whole point in the interview is to discuss the topic on Britain leaving the EU. The interview is set up for the public to hear David Cameron, who was the current Prime Minister's opinions and views towards the subject and his opinions on other parties and their campaigns.
The first question which Andrew Marr asks is 'Can you tell them why they should be voting to stay in the EU?'. Straight away this addresses what the interview will be about, it focuses on the subject rather than the person being interview. As the interview moves on the questions become more in depth, they begin to discuss other party leaders and their promises and what Cameron thinks about them. Over the short time in which this interview is held Cameron has already discussed many of the main issues and has covered the key questions about the interview subject. He has given in depth answers with Andrew Marr asking very few questions but just furthering Cameron's answers.
Throughout the interview Andrew Marr will ask Cameron a question then, waiting to allow Cameron to discuss his answer. Though at times Andrew Marr interrupts Cameron to try and get him to focus on one thing he said, often something which could be contradicted. There is one key part where Andrew Marr addresses body language, he asks Cameron if he is prepared to look into the camera and speak directly to the public. This mean he has to address the public, it is no longer just an interview between two people, it brings in the millions of viewers as well. This is something key to the BBC as they are a broadcaster for the public, therefore the interviews which it airs should address the public as well.
As I've mentioned throughout Andrew Marr is constantly feeding Cameron more subjects to which he can further discuss, therefore gathering the most information without having to work too hard for it.
Channel 4 Interview - RJ Mitte (26th of August 2016)
The overall style of this interview is slightly informal but still informative. Unlike the BBC interview the interviewee is wearing more casual clothes, their speech as well is more informal than that which is used in the BBC interview. Quite often the interviewer is sat back in his chair in a casual position, this as well represents through body language that this more laid back.
The questions asked within this interview are a mixture between open and closed. Though most of the questions are open, the interviewer is not trying to push RJ Mitte to expand further on the questions, he often just allows him to answer the question then moves onto the next.
The questions asked are often single questions, in this interview they will discuss questions around one subject, such as disability but then swiftly move on to discuss other topics such as Breaking Bad. It's as if the interviewee knows there is little time and is trying to cover as many topics as possible. The questions asked are mixed between direct and suggestive, at times the interviewer is looking for a certain response so therefore asks a direct question. However at other times he wants RJ Mitte to expand his answers and asks a suggestive question.
The style of this interview is both entertainment and promotional, it's main discussion are the paralympics and Breaking Bad. It's been set up to not only discuss important matters about diversity but also to promote the paralympic which is aired on Channel 4.
The interview begins immediately with RJ Mitte talking about disability and how it is represented within the industry. It shows directly to the viewer the main focus of the interview through discussing the main subject within the first question. The interview techniques used in this Channel 4 interview are different from the BBC. Channel 4 use Facebook for viewer to ask their own questions to RJ Mitte, rather than relying only on the interviewer to ask the questions like in the BBC interview. This allows the interviewee to be able to interact with the audience more personally, it also represents that Channel 4 is aimed at younger audiences as they incorporate social media into their channel. The BBC is more sophisticated and aimed at an older audience, therefore when broadcasting interviews with guest they often just have the interviewer ask questions.
As RJ Mitte suffers from Cerebral Palsy his speech is slightly effected, despite this the interviewer listens to his answers intently. He doesn't sound patronising and treats his with upmost respect, this is an extremely positive way for the interviewer to act. It only enhances what RJ Mitte discusses throughout his interview, it shows to the audience that everyone should be treated as equally as possible. The interviewer will often ask RJ Mitte questions that are linked to his previous answer, this shows that he listens to what RJ Mitte has to say and then uses his answer to move onto the next question.
There often is a lot of strong eye contact and body language to help show their interest in each other and, through body language, that they are passionate about the subject. The interviewer doesn't sit there and ask question, he moves in his seat, he makes eye contact with RJ Mitte whilst he's answering questions, all of this shows that he is interested.
The main purpose of the interview is make people aware of equality for disability, it also is to help promote the paralympics and RJ Mittes acting career and the different shows and films he has stared in. Interviewing RJ Mitte someone who suffers from a disability helps to make people more aware of the seriousness of the subject, although it is difficult to say, it also emotionally makes people sympathise with him and be more aware of how they can help. This not only helps spread awareness of equality but also of how strong people with disabilities are, this therefore promotes the paralympics again.
The questions asked within this interview are a mixture between open and closed. Though most of the questions are open, the interviewer is not trying to push RJ Mitte to expand further on the questions, he often just allows him to answer the question then moves onto the next.
The questions asked are often single questions, in this interview they will discuss questions around one subject, such as disability but then swiftly move on to discuss other topics such as Breaking Bad. It's as if the interviewee knows there is little time and is trying to cover as many topics as possible. The questions asked are mixed between direct and suggestive, at times the interviewer is looking for a certain response so therefore asks a direct question. However at other times he wants RJ Mitte to expand his answers and asks a suggestive question.
The style of this interview is both entertainment and promotional, it's main discussion are the paralympics and Breaking Bad. It's been set up to not only discuss important matters about diversity but also to promote the paralympic which is aired on Channel 4.
The interview begins immediately with RJ Mitte talking about disability and how it is represented within the industry. It shows directly to the viewer the main focus of the interview through discussing the main subject within the first question. The interview techniques used in this Channel 4 interview are different from the BBC. Channel 4 use Facebook for viewer to ask their own questions to RJ Mitte, rather than relying only on the interviewer to ask the questions like in the BBC interview. This allows the interviewee to be able to interact with the audience more personally, it also represents that Channel 4 is aimed at younger audiences as they incorporate social media into their channel. The BBC is more sophisticated and aimed at an older audience, therefore when broadcasting interviews with guest they often just have the interviewer ask questions.
As RJ Mitte suffers from Cerebral Palsy his speech is slightly effected, despite this the interviewer listens to his answers intently. He doesn't sound patronising and treats his with upmost respect, this is an extremely positive way for the interviewer to act. It only enhances what RJ Mitte discusses throughout his interview, it shows to the audience that everyone should be treated as equally as possible. The interviewer will often ask RJ Mitte questions that are linked to his previous answer, this shows that he listens to what RJ Mitte has to say and then uses his answer to move onto the next question.
There often is a lot of strong eye contact and body language to help show their interest in each other and, through body language, that they are passionate about the subject. The interviewer doesn't sit there and ask question, he moves in his seat, he makes eye contact with RJ Mitte whilst he's answering questions, all of this shows that he is interested.
The main purpose of the interview is make people aware of equality for disability, it also is to help promote the paralympics and RJ Mittes acting career and the different shows and films he has stared in. Interviewing RJ Mitte someone who suffers from a disability helps to make people more aware of the seriousness of the subject, although it is difficult to say, it also emotionally makes people sympathise with him and be more aware of how they can help. This not only helps spread awareness of equality but also of how strong people with disabilities are, this therefore promotes the paralympics again.
The Graham Norton Show - Liam Neeson, Eddie Redmayne, Bradley Wiggins and Anna Kendrick (31st of December 2015)
The Graham Norton Show is a chat show, therefore it has a more laid back and informal style. Although the guests and interviewer still dress formally their language used is causal and informal. This differs differently from both the BBC and Channel 4.
The questions asked are open, they are asked intended for the interviewees to expand on them, they are expected to give longer answers. As it's a talk show the interview is set up to discuss the guests and their views and opinions. Talk shows differ from News channel interviews, in news interviews they are often focused on the interview subject. Whereas in talk shows they often focus on a range of different topics that all relate around the guest.
As it's a talk show there is multiple questions, in Graham Norton's show they will focus on one actor and ask a range of question around the actor. The questions are often suggestive, Graham will ask questions about an event that happened in the guests life or when filming or preforming etc so that the guest will have to elaborate on that subject.
Graham Norton's chat show is for entertainment purposes, it's designed to make the audience laugh. It also is for promotional purposes, the discussions are often about the actors latest film or the athletes upcoming event. It's set up to promote these things so the audience is aware of them and can be tempted into watching them.
The show begins with Graham Norton make jokes around recent topics involving celebrities and the news, this gives off a humorous atmosphere. The guests are then introduced and they begin to discuss a variety of different topics, all to which have humorous responses, the questions don't really have any meaning to them other than to make the audience laugh.
Then Graham Norton begins to individually talk to each of the guests, discussing upcoming events/projects they may have, making jokes in between promoting these things. There often is involvement with the other guests as well, where they may join in with the conversation.
Unlike the other interviews I have discussed there isn't a main subject for the interview. For the BBC the main focus was the EU referendum. Channel 4 was about equality for disability and the paralympics. Unlike those, Graham Norton focuses on multiple subjects, regarding the different guests job. Therefore there aren't many key questions, usually the questions are aimed to make the audience and guest laugh.
Graham Norton's show appeals to a young audience due to it's humorous content. Therefore his language and the way he talks to the guest is humorous. He tries to make the guest feel comfortable, as if they're just chatting with a friend. Through setting this atmosphere the guest feels more relaxed to talk about embarrassing stories which is what the audience wants to hear.
Graham Norton always listens to what the guest is talking about, he often does this because he is interested but also so he can immediately make a joke or turn what they said into something that will make the audience laugh. Most of the time Graham Norton will use what the guest has said to make a joke or link it onto the next question, this means that he has to listen intently to the guest.
Not only this but Graham Norton comes across as very energetic on his show, he is enthusiastic and often leans into the conversation or has very positive body language.
The main reason behind Graham Norton's interviews is to promote the guest latest project. It's to engage the audience, allow them to find out new facts about their favourite celebrity. Most people choose to watch The Graham Norton Show because of its humorous and entertaining style, others will watch it due to the guest and some others may watch it because they enjoy Graham Norton and his sense of humour.
The questions asked are open, they are asked intended for the interviewees to expand on them, they are expected to give longer answers. As it's a talk show the interview is set up to discuss the guests and their views and opinions. Talk shows differ from News channel interviews, in news interviews they are often focused on the interview subject. Whereas in talk shows they often focus on a range of different topics that all relate around the guest.
As it's a talk show there is multiple questions, in Graham Norton's show they will focus on one actor and ask a range of question around the actor. The questions are often suggestive, Graham will ask questions about an event that happened in the guests life or when filming or preforming etc so that the guest will have to elaborate on that subject.
Graham Norton's chat show is for entertainment purposes, it's designed to make the audience laugh. It also is for promotional purposes, the discussions are often about the actors latest film or the athletes upcoming event. It's set up to promote these things so the audience is aware of them and can be tempted into watching them.
The show begins with Graham Norton make jokes around recent topics involving celebrities and the news, this gives off a humorous atmosphere. The guests are then introduced and they begin to discuss a variety of different topics, all to which have humorous responses, the questions don't really have any meaning to them other than to make the audience laugh.
Then Graham Norton begins to individually talk to each of the guests, discussing upcoming events/projects they may have, making jokes in between promoting these things. There often is involvement with the other guests as well, where they may join in with the conversation.
Unlike the other interviews I have discussed there isn't a main subject for the interview. For the BBC the main focus was the EU referendum. Channel 4 was about equality for disability and the paralympics. Unlike those, Graham Norton focuses on multiple subjects, regarding the different guests job. Therefore there aren't many key questions, usually the questions are aimed to make the audience and guest laugh.
Graham Norton's show appeals to a young audience due to it's humorous content. Therefore his language and the way he talks to the guest is humorous. He tries to make the guest feel comfortable, as if they're just chatting with a friend. Through setting this atmosphere the guest feels more relaxed to talk about embarrassing stories which is what the audience wants to hear.
Graham Norton always listens to what the guest is talking about, he often does this because he is interested but also so he can immediately make a joke or turn what they said into something that will make the audience laugh. Most of the time Graham Norton will use what the guest has said to make a joke or link it onto the next question, this means that he has to listen intently to the guest.
Not only this but Graham Norton comes across as very energetic on his show, he is enthusiastic and often leans into the conversation or has very positive body language.
The main reason behind Graham Norton's interviews is to promote the guest latest project. It's to engage the audience, allow them to find out new facts about their favourite celebrity. Most people choose to watch The Graham Norton Show because of its humorous and entertaining style, others will watch it due to the guest and some others may watch it because they enjoy Graham Norton and his sense of humour.
Conclusion
In conclusion, each interview has similar and different techniques. Each interview has to fit the target audience that will be watching ensuring that the questions are suitable to the interview topic and to the age range. They also must be informative and deliver the information required for the interview to take place.
The interviewer should be engaging, making eye contact and ensure their body language conveys that they are interested in the subject and the interviewee. They should be dressed accordingly to the show they are presenting on and their language should match the overall style of the interview.
Although different broadcasters, TV shows and interviewers have different styles and techniques for interviews they all have basic techniques which they must follow.
The interviewer should be engaging, making eye contact and ensure their body language conveys that they are interested in the subject and the interviewee. They should be dressed accordingly to the show they are presenting on and their language should match the overall style of the interview.
Although different broadcasters, TV shows and interviewers have different styles and techniques for interviews they all have basic techniques which they must follow.