A Note from James:
Learning how to be a good interviewer is crucial in life, not just for reporters or podcasters, but because many life situations resemble interviews. Whether you're applying for a job, hiring someone, or meeting someone new at a party, it's beneficial to gather as much information about them as quickly as possible. Additionally, it's important to leave a good impression if that's your goal. Being a skilled interviewer is therefore essential. I'm grateful for my podcast, which has allowed me to study the techniques of some of the best interviewers.
Recently, one of the top interviewers, Polina Pompliano, who writes the newsletter "The Profile," shared her insights. She has profiled many remarkable people and I recommend googling her. Polina has also written a book, "Hidden Genius," and in a recent issue of her newsletter, she didn't profile someone but instead shared the top 10 techniques for becoming a great interviewer, drawing from the best in the field.
I found this immensely valuable, so I invited her to come on the podcast to discuss these techniques and share stories about what makes a good interviewer. Let me know if you find this helpful, but I'm confident it will be valuable. Here's Polina and our conversation on how to excel at interviewing.
Episode Description:
This episode of The James Altucher Show explores the intricate art of interviewing, broadening its significance from journalism to daily situations like job interviews and social exchanges. Today's interview features a deep dive into interviewing techniques shared by notable figures, including insights from Polina Pompliano's newsletter "The Profile," which covers a diverse spectrum of personalities from billionaires to artists. We explore critical aspects of successful interviews, such as understanding individuals, establishing rapport, the art of storytelling, and mastering public speaking. Ethical considerations in selecting interview subjects and deliberately omitting controversial figures are also discussed. Moreover, the episode examines the importance of connecting with audiences across different platforms, utilizing storytelling effectively, and finding a balance between personal interests and professional development. This in-depth discussion not only captures the essence of interviewing but also emphasizes its importance in improving both personal and professional communication skills.
Episode Summary:
00:00 Mastering the Art of Interviewing: Insights and Techniques
00:51 Polina Pompliano's Insights on Great Interviewing
01:35 Exploring Interview Techniques with Polina Pompliano
02:19 The Power of Research and Preparation in Interviews
03:53 The Art of Interviewing: Learning from the Best
05:13 The Impact of Interviewing Skills Beyond Podcasting
05:47 Building Intimacy and Trust in Interviews
10:37 Overcoming Nerves and Embracing the Interview Process
17:24 The Delicate Balance of Challenging and Supporting Interviewees
33:42 Joe Rogan's Approach to Engaging Conversations
42:05 Decoding David Letterman's Interview Style
45:01 The Art of Interviewing: Oprah's Approach
47:37 Howard Stern's Unique Interview Technique
51:12 Breaking Down Barriers with Sean Evans
55:08 Capturing the Essence of a Story: Barbara Walters
01:03:44 The Challenge of Interviewing Controversial Figures
01:09:21 Exploring Public Speaking and Interview Ethics
01:11:53 The Journey of a Masterful Interviewer
01:16:52 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors
------------
------------
------------
Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to “The James Altucher Show” wherever you get your podcasts:
Follow me on social media:
The Cure for America's Societal Problems | Tim Urban
The Future of Medicine is Personalized, Predictive, and in Your Hands! | Dr. Leroy Hood & Dr. Nathan Price
Banks, Crypto, China: Do We Need to Be Afraid? | Omid Malekan & Cal Fussman
A Decade of Discovery: Reflecting on Ten Years of Podcasting with James and Jay
The Secrets to The Good Life: Insights from Harvard's 80-Year Study | Robert Waldinger
Fraudsters Unveiled: Inside the Minds of Intentional, Righteous, and Accidental Perpetrators | Kelly Richmond-Pope
Exploring the COVID-19 Lab Leak Theory | Matt Ridley
Master the Art of Persuasion and Win Every Argument | Mehdi Hasan
Unusual Facts of the Day: Insights on Marriage, History Trivia and Neuroscience
Writing Your Most Interesting Story: Six Rules for Everyday People to Write Compelling Books
Mastering the Magic of Language: Insights on Persuasion and Connection | Jonah Berger
Jordan B. Peterson | Exploring the Phenomenal Logical Landscape of Humanity
James Mentors People | Jason Wright
Superpowered Aging with the Master of Flow | Steven Kotler
The Making of a Legend: How a Criminal Became a Champion | Frank Shamrock
Mastering the Mindset: Unlocking Peak Performance | Avetik Grigoryan
The Importance of Human Connection | Cal Fussman
Everyone is Lying About the Economy! | James on The Undefeated Marketing Podcast
The Human Hacker's Guide to Hacking Your Own Biology | Ben Greenfield
Sara Blakely | From Footless Tights to Forbes
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free