January 24 - Sonic Ids (continued)

Today we are going to look at Hindenburg (sound editing software used by radio professionals) AND our recording equipment. If you are new to TV Production, do not fear. This is easily picked up.

Below are 20 questions that will not fail when you are interviewing.

CREATIVE INTERVIEWING FOR SONIC IDs

1. What were the best times of your life (or of your involvement with the topic under discussion) and the worst?

2. What things, circumstances, etc. make you angry? Sad? Happy? Frightened?

3. What make you laugh? Or cry?

4. What were the major events of your childhood? What childhood experiences explain what you are today – your successes, failures, your beliefs, opinions, your personality, your character?

5. What are you best character traits?

6. What are your worst faults? Make a list. (One time after an interview a woman wrote down her “ten worst faults” and mailed them to me. The list started with “As you know, I talk too much. Your worst fault is listening too eagerly!”)

7. What kinds of material goods do you surround yourself with? What meaning can you attach to them? If your house caught on fire, what would you try to save? (Ancient love letters, old photos, and computer disks are commonly mentioned.)

8. What do you read (books on your shelf and magazines)?

9. Who are your heroes, your “ten most admired people,” and why?

10. What are your major goals and problems, both professionally and personally, and what are you doing about them?

11. What kinds of people do you surround yourself with – from your spouse or significant other to friends colleagues, subordinates?

12. Where and how do you spend leisure time?

13. What issues concepts, philosophies really matter to you, both personally and professionally? What would you fight for, die for? Why? What actions have you taken (or will you take) to support your beliefs?

14. What’s a typical day like for you?

15. What do you dream or fantasize about?

16. How do you react to common problems? If somebody insults you do you fight back, ignore it, or what? How do you behave at a party where you don’t know anyone? What happens if somebody pushes ahead of you in the cafeteria line?

17. What have been significant mileposts in your life? (The usual response covers marriage, childbirth, divorce, changes of location and employment, but ask about unexpected events, chance encounters, inspiring teachers, and so on.)

18. What do you regret in your life; what are you proudest of?

19. If you could erect a billboard to explain the essence of your character, what would it say?

20. How would you like to be remembered?

From Creative Interviewing by Ken Metzler