And the folks over at Second City Hockey produce a game-night program called the Committed Indian that they sell outside of the United Center - which is a brilliant idea considering that the programs issued by teams are such trash nowadays. They sent me a few questions for their Know Thy Enemy section for Wednesday's issue and I decided to re-publish it here for your weekend perusal. Keep in mind, I did it before Gilroy became Torts' latest scapegoat and Avery barely showed up ...
The Tortorella New York Media Meltdown has to be coming soon, right?
You would think so but outside of the occasional sharp words to his buddy Brooksie (NY Post writer Larry Brooks) Torts has been quiet, contemplative and defeated in front of the camera. I think that once the coach actually feels pressure of some kind - like when the team is in 11th or 12th going into the Olympic break - and the questioning stops being 'what happened?' and becomes 'why aren't you fixing things?' he will finally lose it.
King Henrik has not gotten off to the best of starts, and there's still the Olympics to go. Are Rangers fans worried about a total el-foldo from him?
It is quite remarkable to read the boards and blog comments with people coming out of the woodwork to throw Hank under the bus. We know his glove hand sucks, we know he can't wander from his crease and we know he gives up a Charmin soft goal every game or two - those should all be accepted facts by now. He is still among the best in the business but the tarnish comes off the crown when the team needs him to make the big save and he doesn't. With the paper thin offense struggling so badly to score, every save is a big one and Hank's mistakes are magnified that much more. Everyone will see yet again how great he truly is in Vancouver when he plays behind a Swedish team that has good team defense and stellar defensemen - two things he doesn't have in NY.
Brian Campbell and his big contract get a lot of stick here in Chicago, but at least we know what he does well. What is it exactly that Wade Redden does for a living?
You are putting me on, right? You really want an answer here? I can attempt to be serious - Redden tries to play a positional defensive style where he picks up loose pucks and makes the smart first pass to set the tempo of play. Or I can be honest and say that I feel he spent a lot of his salary on a expensive purse that he refuses to swing at opposing forwards as they skate past him. He doesn't shoot the puck, he is incompetent on the point on the power play and is almost universally loathed in NY while collecting more money than most of us will make in a lifetime. You know, if he was a one- or two-million-dollar-a-year fifth defenseman he probably wouldn't be as hated as he is now for being an eight million dollar waste of a perfectly good Blueshirt. He has been out of the lineup lately (something about a sore vagina I believe) and rookies Bobby Sanguinetti and Ilkka Heikkinen have both accounted themselves quite well in his spot - proving that Redden's contract may be the worst one ever given by Glen Sather (or any other GM). Ever. And that is really saying something.
On the bright side, Matthew Gilroy and Michael Del Zotto appear to have very bright futures. Talk about these young d-mens' games a little.
It is their bright futures that are a beacon to a better day. A day without Redden and Rozsival. A day without Sather. A day where the Rangers are actually worth the price of admission. Hobey (Gilroy) is 25 years old and plays a more mature style while MDZ is every bit the teenage phenom he has been made out to be. Hobey has been playing a sound defensive game that relies more on positioning than physicality and if he can pick off that pass or make that good stop, he has shown that he can go end to end and finish. When he can't, he almost disappears on the ice. MDZ is more of a quarterback on the play, making the good pass and occasionally cutting in for a give-and-go. Without a tough, physical defenseman on the Ranger roster, he has been ratcheting up his checking of late but hasn't learned when to properly pick his spots. I don't think that the Brian Leetch comparisons for either of these kids are fair as Leetchie had the best qualities of both of them in one package.
Sean Avery hasn't been annoying anybody this year, it seems. What's up?
Tortorella took Avery's manhood during last season's series against the Capitals and hasn't given it back. Tortorella's idiotic benching certainly castrated the one catalyst on the Ranger roster but, thankfully, Avery has shown signs of growing a new pair and returning to form in the last two weeks or so. The timing is great as the Rangers face the Islanders three times and the Flyers twice this month. And I'd imagine that he will have a field day with your young Mr. Kane, given the kid's ... talented ... siblings.
Are the Rangers going to be a playoff team?
I said before the season that they wouldn't and sadly haven't seen anything to change my mind. The Rangers are a deeply flawed team playing a poor system that simply can't stand up to the competition in the East. Most of the other teams work harder, most of the other teams have more talent up and down the lineup and most of the teams have an organization that puts winning - rather than making money - first.
The Art of Interviews: Strategies, Tips, and Insights
Interviews are a ubiquitous part of our professional and personal lives. Whether you're a job seeker, a journalist, a podcaster, or someone just trying to get to know another person better, the art of conducting interviews is a valuable skill. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of interviews, covering the strategies, tips, and insights that can help you conduct effective interviews, whether they are for employment, journalism, research, or any other purpose. We will also address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a holistic understanding of this vital communication skill.
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Significance of Interviews
Types of Interviews
Preparation: The Key to a Successful Interview
Conducting the Interview: Techniques and Strategies
Listening Skills: The Heart of Effective Interviews
The Art of Asking Questions
Handling Difficult Situations and Tough Questions
Post-Interview: Follow-Up and Analysis
Interview FAQs
: Mastering the Interview Craft
1. Introduction: The Significance of Interviews
Interviews are a powerful tool for gathering information, making decisions, and connecting with people. Whether you're conducting a job interview to find the right candidate or sitting down with a guest for a podcast episode, interviews are a means of communication that can uncover valuable insights and establish connections.
2. Types of Interviews
Interviews come in various forms, each serving a specific purpose:
1. Job Interviews: These are used to evaluate candidates for employment and determine if they are a good fit for a company or organization.
2. Journalistic Interviews: Journalists conduct interviews to gather information for news stories, feature articles, or investigative reports.
3. Research Interviews: Researchers use interviews to collect data, insights, and personal narratives for academic or professional studies.
4. Podcast and Media Interviews: Podcasters, talk show hosts, and media professionals interview guests on various topics for entertainment and information-sharing purposes.
5. Informational Interviews: These interviews are conducted to gain insights into a particular industry, profession, or career path.
3. Preparation: The Key to a Successful Interview
Preparation is the foundation of a successful interview:
1. Define Your Objectives: Clearly outline the goals and objectives of the interview. What do you hope to achieve or learn?
2. Research Your Subject: Understand the background, context, and relevant information about the person or topic you'll be discussing.
3. Prepare Questions: Develop a list of well-thought-out questions that align with your objectives.
4. Test Equipment: If it's a remote or digital interview, ensure that your equipment and technology are working correctly.
5. Practice and Rehearse: Familiarize yourself with the questions and practice active listening.
4. Conducting the Interview: Techniques and Strategies
During the interview, it's essential to create a comfortable and productive environment:
1. Build Rapport: Start with a friendly introduction to establish rapport and put your interviewee at ease.
2. Active Listening: Listen attentively to the responses, asking follow-up questions to delve deeper into the topic.
3. Manage Time: Keep an eye on the interview's pace and ensure you cover all the relevant questions.
4. Be Adaptable: Be flexible and open to unexpected insights or directions the conversation may take.
5. Maintain Respect: Always treat your interviewee with respect, even if you disagree with their views.
5. Listening Skills: The Heart of Effective Interviews
Effective listening is crucial in interviews:
1. Active Listening: Pay close attention to what the interviewee is saying, demonstrating your interest and engagement.
2. Nonverbal Cues: Utilize nonverbal cues like nodding and eye contact to show that you're actively listening.
3. Avoid Interruptions: Allow the interviewee to finish their thoughts before responding or asking the next question.
4. Clarify and Summarize: If necessary, clarify points and summarize key takeaways to ensure mutual understanding.
6. The Art of Asking Questions
Asking the right questions is a skill that can shape the direction and depth of your interview:
1. Open-Ended Questions: These encourage detailed responses and promote meaningful conversations.
2. Probing Questions: Use follow-up questions to explore deeper insights or clarify responses.
3. Neutral Phrasing: Frame questions in a neutral and non-leading manner to avoid bias.
4. Avoid Jargon: Ensure your questions are clear and understandable, especially when discussing complex topics.
5. Be Patient: Give the interviewee time to formulate their responses; silence can be valuable for reflection.
7. Handling Difficult Situations and Tough Questions
Not all interviews will be smooth sailing; sometimes, you'll encounter challenges:
1. Stay Calm: Maintain composure, even in high-pressure situations.
2. Bridge to Positivity: When addressing negative topics, find opportunities to transition to more positive aspects.
3. Respect Boundaries: Be mindful of sensitive or personal topics, and avoid prying into areas your interviewee is uncomfortable discussing.
4. Addressing Evasive Answers: Gently guide the conversation back to the topic at hand if the interviewee avoids answering a question.
5. Handling Hostile Interviews: In situations where an interviewee becomes confrontational, strive to maintain professionalism and control the interview's tone.
8. Post-Interview: Follow-Up and Analysis
The work doesn't end when the interview concludes:
1. Thank You Notes: Send thank-you notes or emails to express gratitude to your interviewees.
2. Transcription and Analysis: Transcribe the interview and analyze the content for insights or themes.
3. Editing: For media interviews, edit and prepare the content for publication or broadcast.
4. Review and Reflect: Evaluate the interview's effectiveness and areas for improvement in your interviewing skills.
9. Interview FAQs
Q1: How can I improve my active listening skills for interviews?
A1: Practice active listening in everyday conversations, focus on the speaker, and avoid distractions.
Q2: What should I do if the interviewee becomes emotional during the interview?
A2: Show empathy, allow them to express their emotions, and consider pausing or rescheduling if necessary.
Q3: How can I handle difficult or sensitive topics in interviews?
A3: Approach such topics with empathy, respect, and sensitivity, and be prepared to provide support if needed.
Q4: Is it acceptable to edit interviews for media purposes?
A4: Yes, editing is common in media interviews, but it should be done ethically to maintain context and accuracy.
10. Conclusion: Mastering the Interview Craft
Interviewing is a versatile skill that can open doors to new knowledge, relationships, and opportunities. Whether you're interviewing for a job, conducting research, or producing media content, the art of interviewing requires preparation, active listening, empathy, and adaptability. By mastering this craft, you can unlock the potential for meaningful conversations, uncover valuable insights, and build connections that can enrich your personal and professional life.
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