Episode Details

The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

#330: Deconstructing The Art & Science Of Interviewing With Jay Acunzo

Full show notes can be found at www.LearningLeader.com

This is a special bonus episode focusing on deconstructing the art and science of interviewing. You will hear learning happening in real time. Jay Acunzo and I go a meta-level to better understand how to better improve our conversation ability, how to be better in an interview. "Interviewing is a skill that enhances your life in a pleasant and unexpected way." This is focused on how you can ask better questions, be more interesting and more interested, and become a better conversationalist.

Notes:

• The meta level of deconstructing the process of making the work is rare...
• "I experience the most flow when it's quiet, nitty-gritty work. Those minute are profoundly rewarding for me."
• What makes a great interview?
• An open loop -- Start telling the story, but wait to close the loop until later to build intrigue...
• The difference between a narrative style show and an interview getting to know someone:
  • A story is three parts - The intent of the story: The "Joseph Campbell Heroes Journey" 1) Status Quo 2) Conflict 3) Resolution
  • Bucket of questions:
    • "Tell me about X..."
    • "How did it make you feel?"
    • The analysis and the reflection
• Change your mindset: "You're not an interviewer, you're a dance partner."
  • "The only thing that matters is that you lead. Everything else is little subtle moves to get people to go to where you want to go."
• "It's not a constant march forward. Instead, think of it like a dance. There are some steps back, steps forward, steps to the side — all packaged together in one coherent experience, with lots of zig-zagging and subtle steps inside those boundaries."
• Open ended questions: "Tell me about X" gets you story details, while "how did it feel when" gets you key moments of reflection and analysis. Both are crucial.
• Clip #1 -- JJ Redick
  • He says "great question" — what would make someone interviewed as often as a pro athlete say that?
  • How to prep for an interview for someone who is interviewed all the time?
    • Built a basic rapport leading up to the interview -- Discussed sports, restaurants, podcasting, interviewing. Developed a "friend" level of communication
      • Create an environment where the guest wants it to be a great show
  • Good follow up questions: Ask for an example... Asking, "How did that make you feel?" "What's your process?" --> Then be a deep, thoughtful listener to ask a follow up.
  • Stay on the same level with your dance partner - Don't be a guest "worshiper"
  • When following up, there are a few things you can do: 1) Distill 2) Disagree 3) Ask the next question...
  • During an interview, the best question you can ask: "How did that make you feel?" It enables them to get in an emotional lane (away from canned responses)
  • Testing the levels on the microphone -- Don't waste that opportunity. Engineer the guest, the human -- You need them to feel like we're hanging out and excited about the interview. Make it fun. What to ask instead: "I'm going to check your levels, do you have any pets at home?" "What would be your last meal on earth?" -- It helps people break out of their corporate drone mode. The question is about the person, on a human plane.
  • Create a safe space for them to share their truth. "I'm not a journalist, I'm a conversationalist."
• Clip #2 -- Adam Savage
  • How did he get on the show? Working with a PR firm to book a guest -- A great PR person