During the Paris Olympics, Ho Chun-Yin's questions were praised for being both professional and well-targeted. This made me reflect on how to ask the right questions during interviews, ones that not only showcase professional knowledge but also build meaningful interaction with the interviewee.
Why Is the Art of Questioning So Important?
As an MC or host, questioning is a core skill that guides the flow of conversation and determines the depth and quality of an interview. Imagine questioning as steering a ship—by mastering the steering wheel, you can lead your audience and interviewee on a journey to explore unknown territories and uncover the most valuable insights.
Ho Chun-Yin's questions were praised not just because he had professional knowledge, but because his questions prompted deep reflection from the interviewees, making them feel respected and understood. This is precisely what we, as hosts, should strive to achieve.
How to Maintain Professionalism in Your Questions
Deep Research on the Topic: Thorough understanding of the subject is essential before asking questions. This not only helps you ask more insightful questions but also demonstrates your professionalism to the interviewee. I remember hosting a forum on innovation technology, where I faced several industry experts. I spent a considerable amount of time researching the topic, and the result was a smooth interview that the guests appreciated.
2. Keep It Simple and Clear: When posing questions, simplicity and clarity help the interviewee quickly grasp the point and respond sincerely. Avoid overly complex sentences that might confuse or pressure the interviewee.
3. Use Open-Ended Questions: Open-ended questions encourage the interviewee to provide more detailed answers. For instance, instead of asking, “How did this competition impact you?” ask, “What challenges and achievements did this competition bring you?”
How to Foster Interaction Through Your Questions
Observe and Adapt: After asking a question, pay attention to the interviewee’s reaction and adjust your approach as needed. This not only fosters a more natural conversation but also makes the interviewee feel valued.
2. Follow Up Appropriately: When the interviewee’s response reveals interesting details, follow-up questions can add depth to the conversation. For example, if they mention a significant decision, you can delve further into the context and thought process behind it.
3. Build Emotional Connection: At the right moment, expressing your understanding or empathy can strengthen the emotional connection between you and the interviewee. For instance, when they share a touching story, you could respond, “I can see how much this means to you; thank you for sharing.”
My Story
Early in my hosting career, I had the opportunity to interview a highly renowned industry leader. I was nervous, fearing I might ask the wrong questions or make him uncomfortable. To prepare, I spent days researching his background and the relevant industry topics. On the day of the interview, I followed up on a market trend he mentioned and used open-ended questions to guide him to share more insights. The interview not only received positive feedback from the audience, but the interviewee also expressed his appreciation, helping me realize the critical role that effective questioning plays.
Conclusion
The art of questioning lies in balancing professionalism with interaction. By deeply researching your topic, keeping questions simple and clear, using open-ended questions, and flexibly responding to the interviewee, you can enhance the quality of your interviews, making conversations more engaging and valuable. I hope today’s insights help you master the art of questioning in your future hosting endeavors, leading to more compelling and impactful dialogues.
Next week, we’ll explore how to enhance public speaking skills by drawing lessons from Olympic coverage. Stay tuned!
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