I like sports, especially when both teams are playing well and anyone could win. Recently after watching a particularly close game, I lingered for the post-game interviews, hoping to extend the adrenaline rush I had just experienced. Instead, I realized something that hadn’t occurred to me before. Have you ever noticed how predictable these interviews are, no matter the sport? The reporter always asks some combination of these questions: “Did you ever think you would have accomplished/won/done what you just did?” or “What does this mean to you?” or “How did it feel?” We already have a pretty good idea how the player feels since we know the outcome of the game. Does this really need to be asked? Cliche is defined as an overused thought that lacks originality. These predictable interview prompts qualify as cliches. Instead of asking these same old questions, using improv techniques could help the interview be more innovative and memorable.
In improv we set the scene by making observations, then watch what develops. The interviewer could get the player to look around and take note of the environment, asking the player to respond to what’s happening. “Look at this crowd! The fans are going crazy – I’ve never heard that kind of noise! What do you think is going on in their minds? What do you want to say to them?” When the reporter is more aware of what’s going on in the moment, letting that influence what they say to the player, the interview is less predictable and more spontaneous. The audience then gets to experience the sights, sounds, and emotions of the post-game celebration along with the player, as it is happening.
Another basic concept of improv is to turn questions into statements, then stop for the next person to respond. The reporter can make an observation like “Your teammates were overjoyed in the second half, especially Bob who came off the bench and hit the clutch shot,” then stop talking. A statement like this is enough for the player to respond to – all the reporter has to do is let the player speak. Using more statements avoids the cliche and the interviewer can work towards a high emotional point as the conversation proceeds.
Using improv techniques in an interview allows the conversation to develop naturally from a specific starting point without asking too many predictable questions. When the player doesn’t know what’s coming, everything sounds fresh and is much more interesting. That’s an interview worth watching.
