28th March 2013

Being An Event Host – Tip No.19 – Interviews

London, UK

With certain events, I’m asked to do interviews between the speaker sessions. This tends to happen when an event includes an exhibition space. As time is nearly always tight, it’s best to list and then select (with the assistance of the event organiser) those exhibitors who are likely to provide a good interview. By good I mean those who can offer a quick turn of phrase and really know their stuff! Naturally, you’ll need to speak to your “victims” beforehand and gain their consent – then it’s up to you. Of course, you will have written down beforehand appropriate questions for each of your interviewees but be prepared for that curved ball answer!

In my experience, don’t ask these type of questions…
Why are you here today?
How’s it been going so far? (absurd if asked at 9.45am)
and the patronising…
…how long have you been in business?
Much better to be industry and client specific. Try something like…

What type of customers are you looking to attract today? or…
In what way do you use social media to tell others of your attendance here this week?
Don’t forget to use word-reflection or phrases such as “can you tell me more” or “really” to ellicit more information; and finally when you’ve finished – thank your interviewee.