To be a media operator is to be able to communicate and relay a message through the medium of media. This was the main theme of the week.  Interviews are not as casual as turning on the camera and letting it roll as you ask questions. Being interviewed or being the interviewee comes with its own roles but two things determine the outcome of an interview, those are:

  1. subject
  2. questions

As Louise Turley explains, the subject of the interview must have a reason to be interviewed. This can vary from their personal opinions, obsessions, eccentricities, life experiences etc. I recently watched an interview on Ai Wei Wei, who is celebrated for his political outspokenness and artistry. He is the perfect subject for an interview.

Interview questions are vitally important for the tone and flow of the conversation. To someone like Ai Wei Wei you would not ask him directly if he hates the Chinese government but instead allude to that idea through leading questions. A more appropriate question would be ‘why do you strongly condemn the governments actions in regards to the 2008 earthquakes and what is your views as a citizen in this country?’

Must consider these as I prepare for interviews:

  1. who
  2. what
  3. where
  4. when
  5. why

The interviewer has a strong hold on how an interview can go, the power of asking the rights questions and getting the right responses is highlighted in many interviews. One of my personal favourite interviews is of Malala and Jon Stewart. In 3 minutues and 51 seconds, she manages to capture the world and tell her story with the assistance of Jon Stewarts questions.