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 like Brent Underwood only recommends guests that are a good fit for the show. Ask questions that you are genuinely curious about -- I am curious about someone's process and it's always led me to a useful follow up... The issue is sometimes a "process" oriented question is the guest can answer with a generality... How to wiggle out of that? Look at the acknowledgement section of their book to get ideas for important people/events in their life to ask about... Mental Heuristics