Today is our last workshop day at the New York Public Library, focusing on improving your interview skills. We'll start by reviewing what we learned in the first two days. Then, we'll discuss preparing for an interview, including researching your guest, checking your equipment, and being ready early. We'll also talk about how to be positive and interested during the interview, respect your guest's time and story, and how to build a good connection with them, sometimes with a small gift. We'll cover some technical tips, like using your equipment well, checking sound quality, and the importance of taking care of yourself by resting and practicing. We'll end with practicing in pairs, asking each other about important life lessons we've learned. This day is all about improving and feeling more confident in doing interesting and deep interviews.

Recap and Warm-Up

• Review Day One and Two

Key Points to Remember When Conducting an Interview

• Preparation: Research
• Set Clear Objectives: Know what you want to achieve
• Comfortable Environment: Quiet with very few distractions
• Open-Ended Questions: Ask questions that encourage detailed responses
• Listen Actively: Pay attention to the guest's answers and show genuine interest.
• Maintain Eye Contact: This fosters a connection and keeps the conversation engaging.
• Avoid Interruptions: Let your guest finish their thoughts before asking another question or commenting.
• Mind Your Body Language: Non-verbal cues can communicate engagement and respect.
• Adaptability: Be ready to stray from your planned questions based on the conversation flow.
• Respect Boundaries: Avoid pushing too hard on sensitive topics.
• Clarity in Questions: Ensure your questions are straightforward and to the point.