Interview Structure

Interview Structure

Interview Structure is the way an interview is conducted in order for it to be a success. It is important  that interviewers follow this structure to ensure the interview is successful. Failure in following this structure could result in not having an interview at all. This was the case for one interviewer at the Brit Awards a few years ago. The man was interviewing a band called Massive Attack, as a result of being so abrupt in his approach and a direct question with no build up, Massive Attack refused to be interviewed by him.

Follow these 7 steps to ensure your interview is a success!

1. Above is a Jonathan Ross interview with Kristin Davis. At the beginning of the interview is an Intro which lets the interviewee know what will be discussed during the interview and will help them relax. This is shown when Jonathan tells Kristin that ''it is lovely to have you here'' and congratulates her on recently turning forty nine.

2. After the intro, Developmental Questions are then asked to get the interview started and helps to set the tone of the interview. This is demonstrated in the interview when Jonathan asks her about the tv show/film she starred in, called Sex and The City. He asks whether she still keeps in contact with her former co-stars to which she replies saying yeah she does. This lets Kristin know what kind of questions she's going to be asked, that she's going to be asked questions about Sex and The City which helps make her feel relaxed.

3. Confidence Building questions are asked to enhance the interviewee's confidence and helps them overcome any nerves. This is also makes sure that when you ask the Key Questions they will respond feeling confident and will give long detailed answers. This is shown in the interview when Jonathan tells ''That is incredible,there is absolutely no way anyone would think you are forty nine!'' to which responded, saying ''Thank you.'' This helped Kristen feel relaxed and flattered by the compliment and helped set the tone of the interview because you could tell that the interview was going to be conversational and not serious or formal.

4. Key Questions are the most important of an interview and is what the whole interview is based upon. Depending on type of the interview they can be placed either at the beginning of the interview. If the interview is formal and emotional  or personal and has a serious tone to it then it is likely the Key Questions will be asked at the beginning of the interview but if it is more of a informal, conversational interview,  the Key Questions will probably asked in the middle of the interview. If  the Key Questions are asked in the middle of the interview, it allows the interviewee more  time to relax and feel comfortable. This is shown in the interview when Jonathan asks Kristen about the upcoming play based on the 1987 film 'Fatal Attraction'. He asks her what the plot of this play is and she explains what it is. This tells us that Kristen is there to promote the play that she's co-starring in.

5. Soundbites are short sections that can be cut out of an interview and can be used in a radio news or entertainment bulletin .

6.  At the end of an interview there is often a Summary. At this point the interviewer summarises all the questions he/she has asked in the interview in one sentence so that you can get a good conclusion on the interview topic.

7.  The Windup is the last thing that is said in the interview and it just winds up the interview and brings it to a close.  It would usually end on a light-hearted note and then thanks the interviewee for being interviewed. Jonathan does this at the end by saying ''Kristin, lovely to have you on the show, thank you so much for coming back on, ladies and gentleman, the fabulous Kristin Davis.''