The Wonder Of A Great Conversation

I'm told that when asked the definition of "God," Albert Einstein replied it was a sense of wonder.

Funny enough, this is also the definition of a great interview.

Really!

I've talked to a lot of guests over 35 years, and while I think it's almost universally understood that, when it comes to music artists of any format, a pretty small percentage of listeners want to hear them talking about "the recording process." It's perhaps less obvious what people do want to hear an artist, or any other guest, talk about.

Along the way, I've gathered, through trial and lots of error, some things I think have helped my guests connect with our shared audience. I consider it a privilege when this happens.

YOU HAVE TO BE A CURIOUS PERSON

Ideally, it's best if that's who you are. If you're not, that's ok, but find "the wonder" for the 20 minutes or so you're conversing with your guest. Find something about them that genuinely sparks your desire to learn more and start pulling on that thread. Curiosity is gasoline on the fire of a great conversation. Without it, you're probably just discussing talking points.

REALLY, YOUR JOB IS TO HELP YOUR GUEST

For sure, if they have a new project or tour, helping them along that line is the right thing to do! But what I mean by "help your guest" is helping them tell what they are likely just waiting for someone to ask them to tell. I believe we all want to do this; to reveal, at least a little, of our real selves...if only someone would ask. You get to help them see that theirs is a story worth sharing! I know: It sounds a bit lofty for a morning show guest slot, but...every time you do this, you help make a powerful connection.

EMPATHY IS CRITICAL

What a tremendous opportunity we have whenever we talk to anyone, publicly or privately: If we're really listening, we get the chance to feel what they want to say. We get the privilege of being an agent of their self-revelation. This might sound heavy or "deep", and it can be that, but it's really about capturing the energy they brought with them and helping them enunciate it.

BE A GOOD LISTENER

You probably knew I was going to bring this up. It's every bit as important as you think, and then 20% more. Please pay attention to your guest's words and body language. It matters.

All of us, particularly celebrities (even Christian artists!), have a public-self cocoon we will, by default, wrap ourselves in. You, being a skilled interviewer, need to help them break out of that.

If and when you do that, you have moved beyond conversation to connection, and have helped create a powerful bond between them, their fans, and you that no medium does better than radio.

And, in a very real sense, you're serving your listeners and your guest when you do.

After all - service is exactly what "ministry" means.