The art of “the interview” with Kate Adie

We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Kate Adie to Riverstone for an exclusive event, where she hosted a private talk and Q&A for a select group of guests. Now, we’re sharing a few of her top interview tips - straight from the pro. Read on to discover more.

For those who don’t know, Kate Adie is a trailblazer in journalism. Throughout her illustrious career, Kate Adie reported from the world’s most volatile regions, shaping public understanding of history as it unfolded. As the BBC’s Chief News Correspondent from 1989 to 2003, Kate became known for her fearless front line reporting and unflinching pursuit of the truth.

Click here to find out more about the event.

Lessons from a Lifetime of Conversations

Beyond reporting from conflict zones, Kate Adie is also known for her skilful interviews. Here are some top tips:

1. Know your subject: Research thoroughly, understand their background, and anticipate their perspective.
2. The power of silence: Sometimes, the best way to get someone to open up is to pause and let them fill the gap.
3. Ask open-ended questions: Instead of “Did you feel scared?” try “What was going through your mind at that moment?”
4. Adapt to the situation: A formal interview with a politician requires a different approach than speaking with a grieving family - sensitivity is key.
5. Listen actively: The best interviews aren’t rigid Q&As - they’re conversations that evolve naturally.

SOURCES

Kate Adie - Wikipedia

Filing from the field: an interview with Kate Adie – The Bristol Magazine Online

The Autobiography: The Kindness of Strangers by Kate Adie | Headline Publishing Group, home of bestselling fiction and non-fiction books and ebooks