Right now, a lot of you are in-tune with the O.P.U.S. interviews I am doing on Tumblr. If you aren’t familiar with this series of interviews, I suggest you check them out. They are just good fun. I ask acquaintances I’ve met through social media random and funny questions.
When you read the O.P.U.S. interviews you may think these weird questions are the result of a person who simply doesn’t know what they are doing in interviewing people. Actually, that’s wrong. I know exactly what I’m doing with those interviews. I think they are not only fun, they are incredibly insightful into the true person.
In terms of my credentials, I’ll estimate I’ve done over 500 professional interviews for publication in my life. I’ve interviewed over 150 CEOs for my Small Brand America series of books which feature small companies competing against much larger, better-funded competitors. In my full-time job I write all of our sales-related newsletters, all of which incorporate interviews with sales reps out in the field to share best practices.
I would say that while I have my own style, which varies greatly by the type of interviews I do, I do draw from three professionals… Bob Costas, Howard Stern and Marc Maron. These three are each perfection in very different ways.
First, Bob Costas. He’s the ultimate in preparation. I realize he’s probably got a staff that does all of the research, but to Bob’s credit he devours what they find. His preparation in taking all of that research in and then not even needing cue cards to retain what someone did in the third grade is amazing. I have to say, out of the three here, my style is least like Bob’s in that I’ve always kind of shied away from research. I like the idea of going in fresh and not taking a look at what others have done before me. This isn’t because I don’t think there is merit to doing this, it’s just that I know I can’t do it as well as Bob so I like the discovery what’s unique about a person in by asking probing questions. I do try to connect with a person like Bob does which really does help them open up.
Second is Howard Stern. Man, this guy is divisive. Many people automatically hate him and perhaps rightfully so. I’ve always had a sophomoric sense of humor so I have to say I’ve always like Howard. The good news is I have matured as I’ve gotten older and so has Howard. His show isn’t what it once was, but that’s not to say all elements of offensive material have been removed.
Even if you can’t get over the goofy stuff, you should hear his interviews. Howard isn’t confined by time constraints so when he talks to someone it’s a free form discussions that really helps you get to know the person. I hate talk show interviews with their 4 minute format designed more to pitch a movie than learn anything about the person. A 90 minute interview with Howard and you walk away really knowing the true person beyond the public persona.
Perfection!
The last person I like to hear conducting interviews is Marc Maron. If you aren’t into podcasts, you might not know Marc but he has a podcast entitled WTF. Now, by the name alone you may think he’s another Howard Stern… he’s not. I will say he’s a bit of a cantankerous old guy who probably likes the shock value of calling his program WTF, but if you get beyond the first minute where he’s kicking off the show, his interviews are unbelievable. I would say what makes Marc great is the fact this guy, you presume is a grumpy old man based on the show intro, is just so smooth in the interviews. It truly is conversation. What I also like is he comes at it from a fan’s perspective. If I was interviewing the stars he gets (Marc gets everyone by the way, Barack Obama recently was on), I would handle it in the exact same way.
One of the aspects I didn’t like at first, was the fact he just riffs for like the first 10 minutes before he starts talking to a guest. I used to wonder why he did it… now I love it. His approach to the show is exactly what I would want to do someday. The guy is just the best.
Those are the three main influencers for me when it comes to interviewing. I’m no where near any of these three gentleman in terms of success, or style, but I’m going to keep practicing.
Check out those O.P.U.S. interviews and see if you can see the influence of these three!
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Write Steve Write! is a weekly blog by author Steve Akley. Typically it is posted on (most) Sundays and features insight about his writing… though there is an occasional movie review or random thought post. It should be noted it’s posted as a live feed… no editing, no planning beforehand, it’s typed out on Sunday morning and the “publish” button is immediately hit. Apologies for any errors but you get this just as Steve thinks it!
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I’m going to guess that your hypothetical Kate Upton questions stem from your love of Mr. Stern. Seems like the sort of thing he’d ask. (By the way, how come you didn’t ask me a Kate Upton hypothetical. I’m progressive.)
Jenna,
I totally should have asked you a Kate Upton question. Kate is in about 75% of the interviews, you just happened to miss out! I thought of a bunch more questions for you anyway. We may do the first ever O.P.U.S. Part II with you interview. Interview 9A!
Are you in?
So in.
And, by the by, what is it with her?
Well, the reaction to her intrigues me. People don’t like her for some reason. She’s young, single, attractive with a white hot career. I am not sure what about that equation sets people off about her, but it does.
Even guys.
Aren’t we supposed to be shallow creatures obsessed with beauty? Not so much when it comes to Kate. The funny thing is, with maybe one exception the anti-Kate sentiment has shown through with the O.P.U.S. interviews.
I don’t get it, so my research shall continue!
By the way there will be a new O.P.U.S. interview tonight and, yes, it contains a Kate question in it!
You didn’t answer the question, Steve. Perhaps it was my phrasing. I’ll try again: “And, by the by, what is it with her for you?”
😉
I’m not sure what that symbol represents. It looks like a brick. If that’s what it is, I get the sense the brick will be the most detailed response I’m going to get.
(Or . . . are you making a musical reference to a classic by the Commodores?)
It looked like a brick in the message on the dashboard. Here it is clearly a smiley face. Oh, and a winking one at that.
(Frankly, I like the brick better along with its presumed theme song.)