How to be a better listener in media interviews?

Posted by jaques montegolifier on September 21st, 2021

Being an excellent communicator is a lifelong endeavor for most people. Better listening is one of the easiest ways to become a successful communicator. If you want to enhance your listening skills, you need to improve your ability to focus and refrain from hastily jumping to conclusions on others’ opinions. For interpreting the correct details, concentrate entirely on what the other person says.

Astute listeners and observers are among the best interviewers. They pick up the smallest bits of information and the most minute signals (both verbal and nonverbal), leading them to the next question or statement. Even if you might be aware of the interviewer’s next question, listen carefully to ensure you are not answering on autopilot, which is a temptation, especially for those who often get interviewed on the same topics by the media.

Improving your listening skills is a priority if you want to succeed in media interviews or other aspects of life. Here are some ways media interview training helps with the same:

  • Ask more open-ended questions than the regular ones, and make sure your mind does not wander while the other person speaks. Strategic communication consulting helps you to stay focused during challenging media interviews.
  • Pay attention to your body language during conversations. It is beneficial to set up a video camera for recording yourself during conversations. However, the presence of a camera makes others behave unnaturally and mask their typical communication behavior.
  • Do not interrupt someone while they speak. There are times you need to pause and ask for clarity and keep up with what the speaker says. It is essential to get into the habit of listening until the person speaking completes their interview.
  • Look out for nonverbal signs. Listening well includes a thorough study of the body language of the speaker. Look for audible cues during phone interviews and conversations, such as long pauses and tonality. When someone needs further clarity, wants to move on to another subject, or feels off the discussion, nonverbal hints about the same. Most media interview training teaches you how to handle telephonic or online interviews.
  • Putting yourself on a pedestal helps you to understand their perspective. A successful media interview is one where you know the interviewer’s perspective. This means the interview is doing its best to keep the meeting entertaining and fun, ensuring nothing is off the track but focuses on the crucial aspects.

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jaques montegolifier

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jaques montegolifier
Joined: April 22nd, 2019
Articles Posted: 49

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