Successful Interviews!

Most have come to know me as Saba,Ink here on AC. What you might not know about me is that I have worked in public relations and marketing for about 15 years, hold a B.A. in Communications & Media Arts, and have done a nice bit of free-lance writing over the years along with my "day jobs." Currently working as an Independent Consultant, AC has been a great avenue to write things that I am passionate about, is helping me to "stage an online writing comeback," provides wonderful networking opportunities and of course the "bank roll" doesn't hurt a bit.

Throughout my experiences, the one thing I know for sure is that non-verbal, verbal and written communication is very POWERFUL. One's strength or lack of it in these areas can truly determine the outcome of a deal or opportunity . I tend to have an open mind and look to learn from every experience. It is my belief that every circumstance, challenge or even "failure" should be looked upon as chance to build a "war chest of weapons" to be used for future success. Notice, I did not say failure, because in my mind, failure is not an option. I honestly believe that we choose success or failure everyday of our lives based upon our attitude and how we conduct ourselves in any given situation. This means that I seek out and surround myself with positive and forward thinking people daily!

With that being said, I will move on to how we can translate that to subject of Interviewing. So, The Donald (Trump) has the Art Of The Deal, and Saba, Ink's got the Art Of The Interview...( I might have to trademark that one). Any who, many people have asked me and I have had one CP (Alyce Rocco) pass along the chance at a celebrity because she was nervous about conducting an interview. She went after the interview and scored it...which to me is success in and of itself. Now, when it came to the actual interview, she got "cold feet." Believe me, we all get "cold feet" particularly when dealing with celebrity types. I say, go beyond that and go for it! Needless to say, I'm grateful to Alyce for the "hook-up" but am still a little mad at her for forfeited such an incredible opportunity . Just to let you know, I have not conducted, nor have I followed up the way I should for that interview, because I'm hoping she'll snag it back and do the "write" thing with it! Do you hear that Alyce?

Flashback: Early 90's, I was doing some free-lance writing for a Brooklyn-based, urban magazine called New Word. There I covered, Restaurant Reviews, local NYC personalities and the celebrity set. I was out of college, and working for the City of New York which also opened the door to writing a "News From City Hall" Column for another publication, Metro Exchange. Both of these afforded me the chance to network and meet a variety of people, and "hob nob" as they say. As seasoned as I thought I was, nothing could have prepared me for the moment when the legendary Isaac Hayes called me at home to follow-up on my request to cover his "comeback" for New Word. Fortunately, my husband (then fiancée) picked up the phone and came back to inform me that Mr. Hayes was on the phone. I quickly gathered my notepad of questions, pen, press release and glass of water. I took a few deep breathes, picked up the phone, and calmly said, "Hello Mr. Hayes, I thank you for returning my call. It is truly my honor and pleasure to be working on this story for you." He then responded; that it was "his pleasure" in that deep baritone voice of his. At that point, I wanted to scream, I'was shaking in disbelief and nearly dropped the phone because here was the legendary Isaac Hayes on the phone, and had dialed my number. I knew I needed to focus and remembered, he is human one, and secondly, I better get this story NOW ...before my publisher has my a**! Of course, I was also thinking this is my chance for make journalistic history...and so I began with my list of questions and to this day still enjoy reading that article.

Keeping Alyce in mind, as well as requests from others about how I land and or handle celebrity interviewees like Tyrese, Joe, Bobby Valentino, Nya Jade, Sha Money XL or Alexyss K. Tylor, others for AC and in my past, I offer you some of my proven tips for success:

Research -
This allows you to be prepared at anytime and find questions in the subject's background for interesting conversation for both your audience and the individual your are interviewing. This also shows that you cared enough to research and study them. Just think, if Isaac Hayes had called and my research had not been done...disaster.

Be Positive -
Eventhough you might not like the person, subject or topic, stay upbeat because negative energy will be picked up even in a phone interview. In essence, why would anyone want to spend time with a "sour puss."

Capture The Story -
Speak with publicists, marketing people and other folks that know the subject before hand and while setting up the interviews. This allows you a behind the scenes look at the persona which also helps to craft better and more relevant question.

Check Out The Competition -
See what other writers have done on the subject or person. Make your interview and story original....make it your own. Don't duplicate or ask redundant questions. Nothing is more boring than sitting through a "press day" answering the same questions. Good questions also allow you to stand out in people's minds.

Be Spontaneous -
Write questions down but allow yourself flexibility to give the interviewee the lead at times. One of your questions could spark conversation that leads to learning something new and fresh about the subject.

Be Professional -
Do thank the people that helped arrange the interview and be sure the send a link or copy of the story when it is completed. This is polite and shows reliability and chances are future assignments will come if people can trust and rely on you.

Have The Right Tools -
Gather all related materials, articles, quotes, questions, pen, pad, recording device(s)and ready them for use during your interview session.

Get Comfortable -
Breathe, stretch, meditate, find an area where you can focus during the interview. This will help you relax and in turn will keep the subject relaxed. You'd be surprised at the "vibes" that are sent out if you are not comfortable. This can affect the quality of the interview experience....so, keep a "smile" in your voice.

Respect Time Limitations -
By being prepared before hand, you can cover what you need within the prescribed time. People are extending a courtesy to you by offering an interview to you, so be considerate of the subject's other obligations. If they are enjoying the conversation, they will continue speaking with you. So, let them determine if the interview will go on based on how much "fun" they are having with you. This will also, keep you on mailing lists.

Find The Common Threads --
You've done the interview and want to attract readers. Find a creative way to connect your audience to the subject. What is it about this subject that a majority of people can relate to? Capture it, bottle it and begin doing the "write" thing!

Finally, refer to these tips for your upcoming projects and interviews and drop me a line sometime. I'd be curious to know if they work as well for you as they have for me. Also, feel free to share some that are not listed and have worked for you.... I'm into learning.

Peace and Blessings!