Interviewing 101--Be Like Mike

You may not have known it, but we researchers lost an icon recently.  Mike Wallace, a founding members of 60 Minutes, one of the most famous TV news show of all time, died this spring.  For years, Wallace interviewed countless politicians, celebrities, corporate wrong-doers, and controversial newsmakers, always willing to ask tough questions in search for truth and understanding.  It's no wonder that in preparing for my first interview of many, I figured that I take a minute to learn from the best.


As a tribute, 60 Minutes dedicated its entire show on April 15th to Wallace.  Full of memorable clips and poignant interviews, Wallace himself explains what makes him tick.  

Mike Wallace

"The key," he says, "is to establish a chemistry of confidentiality during an interview.  Persuade the interviewee that you've done your homework, that you are
here to ask the questions, so why not talk to each other."


Wallace adds that it's important to be, "confident in the material.  When I ask a question, there is a reason for it being asked. I have the specifics in the research to warrant it being asked...You don't ask questions to make someone embarrassed."


When asked about his "stock phrases" (i.e., Come on, Look, Forgive me) that often elicit frank responses from his interviewees,  Wallace notes that it's more about the conversation and interaction than anything else.  


Well, my hope is that I'll be able to create conversations and interactions  just like Mike has for so many years, one interview at a time.   






Images from:  themoderatevoice.com, nationalpress.typepad.com