TED Interviewing Techniques

Chris Anderson, the curator of TED, is the host for its interview series where he invites past speakers to share more about their “ideas worth spreading.” However, recently TED has been taking it up a notch by turning the tide on climate. Chris Anderson’s describes it as one of their most “ambitious projects” so far, where they are turning ideas into action in a project titled Countdown.

I’ve been listening to the TED interviews ever since they were incubated in the past year. Chris approaches each interview with such intent and curiosity that it kept me engaged and wanting more. The interviewees are remarkably interesting on their own, and his encouragement and fine-hosting makes the conversation even more open and enjoyable to listen to.

While listening to him speak, I’ve highlighted 3 ways out of the countless many that Chris employs:

• Build a connection with the person. Chris always starts with introducing the person he’s interviewing, giving a brief rundown of their accomplishments, and then posits his question starting with this phrase “I’m curious to know…”
• Be engaging. I’ve noticed that Chris often asks specific questions about the interviewee’s past work (whether it be a published article or something specific they said on stage) enabling them to expand, elaborate, or explain more thoroughly their process behind the idea or concept.
• Ask the speaker to tell it through a story. Chris beautifully enables his guests to speak more about something by simply saying, “You said __________ (summarize speaker’s point you’re curious to learn more about), and then he adds: “Tell us more about why that is/how you came to this idea.” This is a very direct way of showing interest in someone’s work. An actively enagaged host who his able to tactfully carry the conversation forward in a meaningful way, while also intently listening and allowing the speaker to share their thoughts is what makes listening to TED Interviews most captivating.

Listening to a great speaker like him has made me think about how I interact with people. Apart from these techniques, making direct eye contact, fairly calm body language, and an inviting and understanding nature makes for a great host.

Let me know in the comments below if there are others you have noticed if you have heard Chris speak! :)