I’ve noticed a trend in my interviews for the newspaper I write for. People will often agree to be a part of the “My 15 Minutes” weekly column I write, but with reservations. I arrange an interview via phone and we meet up, with the interviewee almost always expressing a bit of trepidation. This threw me a bit at first because I concerned about coming up with the “right” questions to help the people I interview open up.To my surprise, I’ve discovered that their nervousness and uncertainty actually works in my favor.
I can’t tell you the number of times someone has kindly complimented my interviewing skills and left the interview feeling unexpectedly at ease. I’m not sharing this to boast – I record the interviews and listen to them later for quotes, etc. I am not an especially impressive interviewer as far as asking the right, or even the most thought-provoking questions. But I have discovered a knack for helping people feel at ease, for inviting them to have a conversation with me, and for encouraging them to relax and share a bit of themselves with me.
That being said, I do love a day when someone who was reluctant to be interviewed walks away eager to read their “15 Minutes.” I get a little jump in my step when someone reads my blog and leaves me a comment saying it helped them in some way. I especially love a conversation with a friend who is feeling uncertain or discouraged that ends with them feeling confident in a decision to move forward.
I understand totally. It’s like when I discovered I’m a bit of a control freak. It was strange because I’m really pretty easy going too. How do the two mix? Finally I realized I like to get things done and control the chaos. I hate indecision, so if there is ever a pause I tend to offer to take over or just step in. It’s probably part of why I love teaching young kids. Like my new tattoo, I’m queen of the class.” 🙂