Terry Gross Interview Habits for Engaging Conversations

Spend hours reading books, watching films, or listening to works of guests to prepare insightful questions. Focus on understanding their background and contributions.

Engage in singing lessons and vocal exercises to maintain a relaxed, natural speaking voice conducive to radio interviews.

Use a guest's specific phrases or terms to ask clarifying questions, deepening the conversation's nuance and authenticity.

Conduct interviews via phone or satellite feed rather than in person to maintain focus and reduce social pressure.

Revisit research materials and typed notes shortly before sleeping to reinforce memory retention.

Explicitly offer guests permission to skip overly personal questions before recording begins.

Skim materials while circling key passages and dog-earing pages for later detailed note-taking.

Politely ask guests to condense lengthy responses during interviews to fit broadcast formats.

Actively recruit staff from varied backgrounds to broaden editorial perspectives and content range.

Analyze completed interviews to identify missed opportunities or areas for improved questioning.

Continuously consume films, literature, and music to stay current with artistic trends and references.

Allow brief pauses after emotional responses to give guests space before continuing.

Incorporate historical parallels when discussing current events with guests.

Prioritize audience comprehension when cutting interviews, removing insider jargon or unclear passages.