Interviews: A Communication Genre and Source of Truth (PDF)

AUTHOR : Christopher Silvester was born in 1959 in London. He was educated at Lancing College, Sussex, and then at Peterhouse, Cambridge. He has built a diverse career in journalism and literature.From 1983 to 1994, he was a prominent figure at Private Eye, where he authored the "New Boys" column,...

AUTHOR : Christopher Silvester was born in 1959 in London. He was educated at Lancing College, Sussex, and then at Peterhouse, Cambridge. He has built a diverse career in journalism and literature.From 1983 to 1994, he was a prominent figure at Private Eye, where he authored the "New Boys" column, providing sharp, satirical profiles of newly elected Members of Parliament. His work there evolved to focus on political, legal, and media affairs, showcasing his ability to dissect complex issues with wit and insight. Beyond Private Eye, Silvester has contributed to a wide range of revered publications, including the The Guardian, Independent on Sunday, Esquire, GQ, and Vanity Fair. His versatility as a writer has allowed him to cover topics like politics, culture, and society, often with a critical and humorous lens. In addition to his journalism, Silvester is the editor of The Penguin Book of Interviews: An Anthology from 1859 to the Present Day, a collection that showcases the evolution of interview techniques and styles across more than a century. This anthology highlights not only his editorial skills but also his deep appreciation for the art of conversation and the insights it can reveal about individuals and society at large. Through his oeuvre, Silvester has established himself as a notable author in contemporary journalism, known for blending sharp commentary with engaging storytelling. INTERVIEW AS A COMMUNICATION GENRE : Interviews are a common form of communication that allows the exchange of information between two or more individuals. This communication genre is a structured conversation between an interviewer and interviewee, with the purpose of gathering information, opinions, or insights on a particular topic. Interviews can take place in various settings, such as job interviews, media interviews, research interviews, and celebrity interviews. In today's digital age, interviews are conducted in various formats, including in-person, over the phone, via email, and through video calls. One of the key characteristics of interviews is the asymmetrical power dynamic between the interviewer and interviewee. The interviewer typically holds more control over the direction and flow of the conversation, asking questions and guiding the discussion. The interviewee, on the other hand, is expected to respond to the questions posed to them and provide valuable insights or information. This power dynamic can influence the outcome of the interview, as the interviewer's questions can shape the narrative and determine the focus of the conversation. Another important aspect of interviews is the role of preparation and research. Interviewers often spend time researching the topic or individual they will be interviewing, to ask informed and relevant questions. Similarly, interviewees may prepare by thinking about their responses and key points they want to convey during the interview. Besides, interviews involve the use of various communication strategies and techniques to ease communication. Active listening is crucial during interviews, as it helps the interviewer understand and respond to the interviewee's answers. Non-verbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions, can also play a role in interviews, conveying messages and emotions that may not be verbally expressed. Additionally, open-ended questions are often used to encourage the interviewee to provide detailed and thoughtful responses, while follow-up questions can help clarify information or explore specific topics further. Interviews can, therefore, be considered as a versatile communication genre that allows for the exchange of information and ideas between individuals. By understanding the characteristics and dynamics of interviews, individuals can improve their communication skills and engage in meaningful conversations. Whether conducting a job interview, participating in a media interview, or being interviewed for research purposes, being aware of the nuances of interviews as a communication genre can help individuals navigate these interactions successfully. INTERVIEW - A SOURCE OF TRUTH : Interviews are one of the most valuable sources of truth in journalism. They provide an opportunity for reporters to gather first-hand information from individuals who have direct knowledge of a particular event, issue, or situation. Through interviews, journalists can uncover stories, share perspectives, and shed light on important topics. One key reason interviews are considered a source of truth is that they offer a platform for people to share their experiences, opinions, and insights. By speaking to individuals who are directly involved in a story, journalists can present a more accurate and nuanced account of events.Interviews, thus, provide a way to verify facts, clarify details, and uncover new angles to a story. Moreover, interviews allow for a diversity of voices to be heard. By speaking to a range of sources with different backgrounds and perspectives, journalists can provide a more comprehensive and balanced representation of a topic. This helps to ensure that stories are not one-sided or biased, but reflect the complexity and diversity of our world. In addition, interviews serve to holding individuals and institutions accountable. By asking tough questions and seeking honest answers, journalists can challenge those in power, expose corruption, and uncover wrongdoing. Interviews, hence, provide a platform for truth-telling and transparency, holding both the interviewee and the interviewer accountable for their words and actions. Furthermore, interviews can also be a source of empathy and connection. By listening to the personal stories and experiences of others, we can better understand their perspectives, struggles, and triumphs. Interviews can humanize issues, foster empathy, and build bridges of understanding between people from different backgrounds and communities. In conclusion, interviews are a vital source of truth in journalism. As journalists continue to navigate the challenges of the digital age, interviews remain a powerful tool for uncovering the truth and informing the public. INTERVIEW - AN ART : Interviewing is an art form that requires practice, skill, and finesse. It is not just a simple question and answer session, but a delicate dance between the interviewer and the interviewee. A successful interview can be insightful, engaging, and even enlightening. One of the key aspects of conducting a successful interview is preparation. Before the interview even begins, the interviewer should research the interviewee, their background, expertise, and experience. This will not only help the interviewer ask informed and relevant questions but also make the interviewee feel valued and respected. During the interview, the interviewer must be an active listener. This means paying attention to not only the words being said by the interviewee but also their body language, tone of voice, and emotions. A skilled interviewer is able to pick up on subtle cues and prompts from the interviewee, leading to a more meaningful and impactful conversation. Asking open-ended questions is another important aspect of interviewing. Open-ended questions encourage the interviewee to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences more freely, leading to a richer and more engaging conversation. Interviewing is not just about asking questions, but also about building rapport and establishing a connection with the interviewee. A good interviewer is able to build trust and establish a relationship with the interviewee, making them feel comfortable and willing to share their thoughts and feelings. This requires empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to put oneself in the shoes of the interviewee. The art of interviewing also involves being able to adapt and adjust to different situations and personalities. Every interview is different, and the interviewer must be able to think on their feet, adjust their approach, and tailor their questions to suit the interviewee's style and comfort level. Flexibility, creativity, and spontaneity are key attributes of a successful interviewer. In conclusion, interviewing is truly an art form. It is a dynamic interaction between the interviewer and the interviewee. It is a valuable tool for gathering information, uncovering insights, and telling a unique and compelling story. MERITS AND DEMERITS OF INTERVIEWS : Interviews are a common practice in various fields such as journalism, research, and job applications. It is an opportunity for the interviewer to gather information, assess the candidate's suitability, and establish a connection. However, like any other evaluation method, interviews have their own merits and demerits. MERITS : One of the main merits of interviews is that they provide a customized and interactive way of gathering information. These interviews offer a glimpse into the thoughts, personalities, and experiences of these individuals that would not have been possible through written materials alone. Interviews also allow the interviewer to assess the candidate's communication skills, attitude, and personality. It provides a platform for candidates to showcase their skills, discuss their experiences, and articulate their thoughts effectively. Additionally, interviews can help in determining if the candidate is a good fit for the organization culture and the specific role. DEMERITS : One of the main drawbacks of interviews is that they can be biased and subjective. The interviewer's personal biases, opinions, and preconceived notions can influence the evaluation process. Another disadvantage of interviews is the potential for discrimination. Interviews can inadvertently lead to discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, age, or physical appearance. Despite their limitations, interviews remain an essential tool for gathering information and assessing candidates. To mitigate the demerits of interviews, it is crucial for interviewers to be trained in conducting fair and unbiased interviews, use standardized questions, and focus on the candidate's qualifications and skills rather than personal attributes. Additionally, incorporating other assessment methods such as written tests, case studies, or work samples can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of candidates. In conclusion, interviews have both merits and demerits. They offer a personalized and interactive way of gathering information and assessing candidates, but they can also be biased and subjective. By understanding the limitations of interviews and implementing strategies to mitigate biases, interviewers can make informed decisions and select the best candidates for the job. ANALYSIS OF ‘KOFFEE WITH KARAN’ : ‘Koffee with Karan' is a popular talk show hosted by Bollywood film producer Karan Johar. The show features candid conversations with luminaries from the Indian film industry, giving viewers an insight into their lives and perspectives. While the show has gained a lot of attention over the years, it is also important to critically analyze the interview aspect of Koffee with Karan and focus on some of its shortcomings. The show is known for exploring personal topics and controversies with guests, often making tabloid headlines. This emphasis on drama and entertainment can sometimes overshadow the talents and work of guests, making them a source of discussion and gossip. Sometimes it can lead to offensive or disrespectful comments. This can create an uncomfortable atmosphere for visitors and spectators, perpetuating a culture of apathy and insensitivity. Cafe Karan is the first to feature Bollywood A-listers, leading to under-representation of actors in domestic films, independent films and other areas of the entertainment industry. This lack of diversity strengthens power within Bollywood and prevents the visibility of marginalized voices. Instead of focusing on work, success and guest opinions, "Jobs Café" often prioritizes sensationalism and entertainment, which can damage the show's credibility and relevance. While "Koffee with Karan" has its merits as a platform for candid discussions with celebrities, it does have a few shortcomings. The show's emphasis on gossip and sensationalism, the lack of diversity in the guest list, and the presence of offensive or disrespectful comments are all issues that require further attention. Going forward, Café bi Karan must strike a balance between fun and substance and prioritize respectful, inclusive and meaningful dialogue with guests. ANALYSIS OF ‘AAP KI ADALAT’ : Aap ki Adalat is one of the popular Indian television shows that interviews celebrities on various topics like politics, entertainment, sports and business. Hosted by popular journalist Rajat Sharma, the program has gained a large audience due to challenging questions and sensitive topics. He is known for his difficult and sometimes disturbing questions, which often get honest answers from strangers. This system made the game interesting to watch as the viewers saw their favorite people or politicians put on their shoes and forced to defend their actions or beliefs. However, the controversy of this interview comes from fail. Criticism is interesting and very harsh. Some of the participants accused Rajat Sharma of showing bias and unfairness, saying that he interrupted them and did not give them a chance to answer their questions. Critics say that this format devalues the show and makes it more of a drama than a serious interview. Another problem with Aap ki Adalat is the lack of diversity in the guests. The program usually focuses on well-known people, often from the same business or politics, which leads to a lack of discussion. This narrow focus limits the ideas presented to the audience and can prevent meaningful discussion on important issues. At the end of the day, Aap ki Adalat is an entertaining television show. While some may consider his controversial dialogue as interesting, he also manages to create great moments and interesting moments for his viewers. However, the show could benefit from a diverse audience and an open-ended approach to questions that allows for meaningful discussion. In conclusion, Aap ki Adalat is a program that provides a platform for serious discussion and debate, but its questions have room for improvement. EVERY FAMOUS PERSON HAS A RIGHT TO HIS/HER PRIVACY. INTERVIEWS SOMETIMES EMBARRASS CELEBRITIES WITH VERY PERSONAL QUESTIONS. WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON THIS ? : Privacy is a basic right of everyone, including celebrities. Being a public citizen does not mean denying this human right. But it's no secret that celebrities are often scrutinized, and interviewers often delve into their personal lives with disturbing, sometimes disturbing questions. This raises the question of whether celebrities are subjected to these questions in the name of entertainment and information. Like everyone else, celebrities have personal boundaries that should be respected. Constantly delving into their personal lives can have negative repercussions on their mental health and overall well-being. Celebrities are often under significant pressure to maintain a certain image or persona in the eyes of the public and media. When faced with intrusive and personal questions in interviews, they may feel compelled to reveal intimate details of their lives that they would rather keep private. This can lead to feelings of vulnerability and discomfort, as well as anxiety and stress. Furthermore, the intense scrutiny and invasion of privacy that many celebrities face can have serious consequences on their personal relationships and families. Constant media attention and invasive questioning can strain relationships and expose loved ones to unwanted attention and judgment. It is important to remember that celebrities are human beings first and foremost, with the same rights to privacy and respect as anyone else. While it is natural for the public to be curious about the lives of famous individuals, it is essential to draw a line between legitimate interest and invasive intrusion. Interviewers and media outlets should exercise discretion and respect when conducting interviews with celebrities, avoiding prying into their personal lives and asking inappropriate or offensive questions. A reporter's job is to ask questions, but there's a fine line between honest journalism and self-indulgence. At the end of the day, all celebrities are equal in maintaining privacy and should respect each other instead of plunging into a celebrity's personal life with awkward questions and inquiries, interviewers should focus on the celebrity's career and accomplishments. By adhering to these principles, we can create a respectful and humane media environment for everyone, including those in the public eye. HOW TO MAKE A SAFE SPACE FOR GUESTS DURING INTERVIEWS? Questions are a powerful tool for gaining information and understanding from others, whether it's for research, journalism, or simply wanting to learn from someone's experience and expertise. However, it is important to create a safe environment for interviewees to ensure that they are comfortable, respectful and able to openly share their thoughts and experiences. One of the biggest ways to make an interview a safe place for strangers is to set clear boundaries and expectations ahead of time. Before starting the interview, it is important to communicate with the guest about the purpose of the interview, the topics to be discussed and any problems that may arise. This prepares guests mentally and emotionally and sets boundaries for what they want to talk about. In the same way, it is important to establish the basic rules of communication. This may include language, tone, and etiquette, as well as a commitment to respecting guests' privacy and courtesy. Setting boundaries helps build trust and understanding between interviewer and interviewee, creating a safe and productive environment for discussion. Active listening is another important part of creating a safe environment for respondents. By showing genuine interest in what the visitor is saying, asking thoughtful follow-up questions, and responding with compassion, interviewers can show respect and appreciation for the visitor's perspective. This can help visitors feel heard and valued, increasing their willingness to share openly and honestly during the interview. It is also important to know about power dynamics during the interview process. As an interviewer, it's important to recognize and manage any power differences that may exist between you and your guests, whether due to race, gender, age, or occupation. By recognizing these strengths and working to create a practice environment, interviewers can help guests feel more comfortable and confident about telling the truth. Creating a safe space for guests to communicate also means being aware of their needs and limitations. This may mean looking out for triggers or risks guests may have, respecting their privacy and confidentiality, and accommodating special requests or accommodations they may need. By showing compassion, respect and flexibility, interviewers can create an inclusive and welcoming environment for guests of all backgrounds and backgrounds. In short, making the interview a safe place for the visitor is important to foster trust, respect and open communication. By setting boundaries, actively listening, addressing strengths, and being sensitive to guests' needs, interviewers can create an environment where guests feel valued, heard, and respected. Finally, by creating a safe space for guests to communicate, meaningful conversations can take place, which will lead to understanding, communication and awareness of all involved.