Interviewing actors and musicians can be a tricky endeavour. After all, they are creative professions where success is heavily reliant on the individual’s ability to entertain, inspire, and offer a unique form of artistry. In order to capture their essence and get the best out of them during an interview, there are certain techniques that you should keep in mind. In this article, we will discuss some of the best practices when it comes to interviewing actors and musicians.
1. Know your subject inside and out
Before you even begin the interview, take the time to understand your subject. This can be done by preparing with their previous interviews and becoming familiar with their recent work. Take note of any personal traits and quirks that they may have, as this could influence how you approach them during the interview.
2. “Talk” to their photos or videos to practice
This may sound silly, but it can be a great way to mentally prepare yourself for the upcoming interview — especially if the celebrity you are interviewing is someone whose presence can be intimidating. Try speaking directly to their photos or videos as if they were actually there. Ask questions and make observations that you think would be relevant during the actual interview.
3. Prompt them to talk much more than you
When it comes to interviewing actors and musicians, your goal should be to get them talking as much as possible. It’s important to ask questions that can elicit thoughtful responses and encourage them to share more about themselves. Letting the interviewee talk freely will help you uncover interesting stories and information that viewers or listeners would want to hear — you may even uncover some interesting details that you weren’t expecting. However, make sure to keep the conversation on track and prompt them with questions when necessary.
4. Guide the interview with a firm hand
It is important to guide the interview with a firm hand so that you remain in control of the conversation. While it is great to give your subject an opportunity to express themselves, if they start going on tangents or directions that are not relevant to what you are trying to get out of them, be ready and willing to steer the conversation back in the desired direction. This can be done by asking specific questions or giving them questions to think about that will help get the conversation back on track.
5. Don’t beat yourself up for mistakes
Remember that mistakes are natural and part of the process. If you stumble over your words or accidentally forget something, don’t sweat it — just go with it. Being self-deprecating can be helpful in these situations, but try not to be too excessive so as not to create an uncomfortable situation. Above all else, remember that this celebrity is human too and likely to understand any mix-ups or blunders you may have.
6. Know when to wrap it up
At the end of the interview, it’s important to remain professional and wrap things up with confidence. You don’t want to be gushing or rambling, no matter how famous your subject is. It’s important to thank them for their time and express your appreciation to them for being part of the interview. This will end the interview on a positive note and leave a good impression.
Interviews with celebrities can be both exciting and intimidating. But, with a bit of practice and preparation, you will be able to confidently and professionally deliver the best possible interview.
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