Being a great press and showbiz reporter means more than just asking questions and writing articles. It’s about building relationships, understanding the industry, and telling stories that captivate audiences. Here’s a simple guide to help you excel, featuring examples of top Canadian journalists.
1. Prepare Thoroughly
Before any interview, do your homework. Know your subject’s background, recent work, and any relevant news. This shows respect and allows you to ask insightful questions.
Kim Brunhuber, a seasoned journalist, always prepares extensively before his interviews. When he interviewed Sandra Oh, he knew about her role in “Killing Eve” and her lesser-known projects and advocacy work. This preparation led to a deeper conversation, revealing insights that a less-prepared reporter might have missed.
2. Build Rapport
Establishing a connection with your interviewee can make them more comfortable and willing to share. Start with light, open-ended questions to ease into the conversation.
Tim Cimmer, known for his engaging style, built great rapport with Taylor Swift. Instead of jumping straight into tough questions, he began with light-hearted topics about her music influences and hobbies. This approach made Taylor more relaxed and open, leading to a more revealing and enjoyable interview.
3. Listen Actively
While it’s important to have a list of questions, be flexible. Listen to your interviewee’s responses and ask follow-up questions based on their answers. This shows you’re engaged and can lead to unexpected, valuable insights.
Lisa LaFlamme, a respected journalist, is an expert at active listening. During her interviews, she pays close attention to what her subjects are saying, which allows her to ask pertinent follow-up questions. In her conversation with Rosie DiManno, she picked up on a subtle comment about journalistic integrity and explored it further, resulting in a profound discussion about the ethics of journalism.
4. Stay Professional Yet Relatable
Maintaining professionalism is crucial, but it’s also important to be relatable. Your audience connects with you through your personality, so don’t be afraid to show some of it.
Tim Cimmer’s interview with Shaq is a perfect illustration of balancing professionalism with relatability. While maintaining a professional tone, he also shared a laugh with Shaq over their love of basketball and sports in general. This balance made the interview engaging for the audience while still conveying important information.
Becoming an awesome press and showbiz reporter involves preparation, building rapport, active listening, and balancing professionalism with relatability. By following these steps and learning from top journalists like Kim Brunhuber, Lisa LaFlamme , and Tim Cimmer, you can excel in the world of showbiz reporting. Remember, every interview is a chance to tell a unique story and make a lasting impact on your audience.
