When I interview someone for a magazine, celebrities included, I want it to feel like a conversation. I hate when interviews sound or read like the subject was constipated or worse, held at gunpoint. It’s like the interviewer is only there to get the answers and run, not conduct a conversation where the viewer or reader can actually learn something.
I come to phone and face-to-face interviews (my fave!) with one thought in mind: A.S.K., as in, always seek knowledge. Even if it’s 11:30 p.m. on the East Coast and London (nor the celeb on the other end) as folks in the business say, isn’t “up yet.” That makes the job more difficult, but hey, it goes with the territory. Here are 3 things I’ve learned from Taraji P. Henson, Tyra Banks and Jordin Sparks during interviews.
Actually, lemme back up a minute. Let’s add some context because celebrity interviews can be fun but they aren’t necessarily easy. I’ve chased many stars in different time zones for a 30-minute phone interview and I’d have dark circles under my eyes to prove it if I didn’t know a few beauty tricks to keep this face from cracking. It’s understandable when a celebrity doesn’t want to talk but totally has to promote The Big New Project before God is up.
I can almost see Miss Star with one eye open reciting canned answers and pretending to be all sunshine and Sugar Smacks for a 500-word story. For Miss Star, this is about as much fun as flossing. She’d much rather get beauty rest or save the early morning chitchat for Robin Roberts and Good Morning America’s millions of viewers.
She’s human. (And everybody who’s anybody wants valuable airtime with Auntie Robin, myself included!)
And I’m sympathetic to interrupting Miss Star’s sleep but this girl came to get the goods. That means good quotes that won’t be seen in e’ry corner of this here Internet.
When the interview feels more like a conversation vs. a straight question and answer moment, I know that I’m in Tom Cruise mode: mission accomplished.
That’s when the interviewee shares gems, truths and lessons. Sometimes the quotes are cut from the story but the knowledge, the knowledge sticks with me.
Here’s what I learned about loving your craft, discovering the true meaning of longevity and writing beautiful music from Taraji, Tyra Banks and Jordin Sparks.
And in case you’re wondering, I conversed with these ladies at decent hours. I swear. (Behind-the-scenes note: I was grateful that Taraji was SUPER patient with me when my mobile dropped our call twice. Sometimes my phone won’t let me be great.)
Golden Globe winner Taraji P. Henson on the biggest lesson she’s learned after 20 years in Hollywood…
“Never stray from the love of the craft and don’t get caught up in money and awards and I didn’t get this and that. That can make you lose your fire, your passion and it becomes about something else… Whenever the business part gets to be too much, I’ll go away and do a play, just to remind myself that this is what I love and why I love it.”
Emmy Award winner Tyra Banks on the meaning of longevity…
“Having a mission that’s bigger than you as a human being—that, to me, is true longevity. What I’m working on now isn’t publicizing myself, but publicizing the message. There’s a big difference. When I was younger, it was about publicizing myself. I’m going to be on the cover of this magazine. I’m going to walk these red carpets. [Now I’m focused on] expanding the definition of beauty and entertaining girls in a way that is so fun and so exciting… and having a message that’s stronger than celebrity.”
Grammy Award winner Jordin Sparks on writing as therapy…
“I’ve been writing since I was little. Not necessarily music, but I’ve been writing poetry since I was about 10. It wasn’t until I older that I realized songs are just poetry with music to them… I’ve always loved writing down my feelings and journaling. It’s an amazing way to get feelings off your chest. [It’s] therapeutic to write about something that inspired you.”
What do you learn from your interview subjects when you A.S.K.?
