Project work Radio or tv interview

Meet the people is a weekly programme on local radio or TV in which ordinary people are interviewed about their lives and opinions. Each week there is a different theme and people are invited who have had experiences related to the particular theme.

Possible themes for the next programme are:

FEAR ‘my most frightening experience’

TURNING POINTS ‘the day that changed my life’

ACHIEVEMENTS ‘the proudest moment of my life’

DISASTERS ‘the worst holiday of my life’ LEISURE ‘why my hobby is important to me’

There are three roles: Interviewer Assistant Guest

Equipment: one or more tape recorders or note-books if possible.

Procedure

1. Interviewers work together to prepare for the interviews.

meanwhile

Assistants conduct preliminary interviews with guests to establish basic facts. Their notes will be handed to the interviewers.

Note

If the class doesn't divide evenly into threes, it will be necessary for one or two assistants to interview more than one guest.

2. Practice interviews take place.

while

Assistants observe and offer comments and advice

3. Real interviews take place.

while

Assistants operate tape-recorder(s) or note-books or observe a different interview in progress.

4. (Optional) Recordings are played back or assistants report back. Discussion of success of interviews.

5. (If time) Change roles and repeat procedure.

Notes for guests

1. First decide which topic you have something to say about. Make notes, if you like, to help you remember the details (but don't try to write out an account).

2. Answer the questions which the assistant puts to you.

3. Look on the interview as a friendly chat rather than a formal interview!

Notes for interviewers

A PREPARATION Work out (and make notes on):

- a short but realistic introduction to the programme, the theme and the guest.

- the kind of questions to ask. These should be ‘leading’ questions, designed to get your guest to explain or describe rather than just answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’, For example:

not ‘You're married to a doctor, aren't you?’

but ‘What's it like being a doctor's wife?’

or ‘What are the disadvantages to being a doctor's wife?’

- a suitable conclusion, thanking your guest and perhaps mentioning next week's theme.

- an appropriate time limit for the interview!

B INTERVIEWS

1. Read your assistant's notes. 2. Try to be relaxed and make your guest feel at ease! 3. Start with general questions and lead up to your guest's particular experience.

4. Remember to ask leading questions which prompt your guest to talk.

5. Really listen to the answers and be prepared to develop any interesting points.

6. Remember your time limit and stick to it!