While I am not a TV person, nevertheless, whenever I get the chance I tune into CNN for the Larry King Live show.
Larry holds the kind of fireside chat that rarely happens with people, and luckily CNN turns on cameras to share stress free conversations that are both interesting and informative.
Even in professional lounges – where compelling ideas emerge and where m
any could add value – poor tone tends to pop up and rob any chance of holding hot topics to the rainbow for another look.
Not with Larry King – who tends to ask 2-footed questions that include a person's humanity as much as the topic they speak to. Five common mistakes that prevent civility in most controversial conversations, offer insight opportunities to Larry.
Common mistake … confront people much like attorneys attack common criminals.
Larry’s solution … engage all guests in a civil way by asking informative questions. Unlike interviewers like Sam Donaldson, Larry finds it easier to get meaningful responses without confrontation.
Common mistake … make people uncomfortable in order to draw out solid ideas
Larry’s solution … start with areas of common humanity and welcome alternatives. When Larry interviewed Joe DiMaggio’s son, Joe Junior mentioned that he had little relationship with his father – and barely knew him. He also admitted he loved all his father had done. Larry’s approach? Simply accept Joe Jr’s view – but then welcome Joe Sr’s side of the story on another show.
Common mistake … ask personal questions that instill fear before respect is built.
Larry’s solution … ask personal questions without fear to draw out humanity. During the 1992 campaign, Larry asked president Bush…”Do you like Bill Clinton?” On another occasion he asked, Richard Nixon… “When you drive by the Watergate, do you feel weird?”
Common mistake … ask questions that already have solid answers in our minds.
Larry’s solution … Larry admits that he never asks a question to which he already knows answers. Instead he attempts to bring out the nuances and surprises that inform and teach and color ideas with new shades.
Common mistake … don’t force issues so that people will feel free to pass on topics
Larry’s solution … Larry often accepts that people forget, get nervous about some details, or fear public humiliation. People tell him the truth more because they are not anxious about the nature of his questions. If they don’t like the question, he allows them to divert it, while still staying on the tracks of his themes.
People often come back and tell stories that give more insightful answers – because they are not trapped or cornered by Larry King. Do you communicate more like a fireside chat for deep, honest and poignant answers? Or do you go at people more like an prosecutor out to prove facts you think you already know?
A lovely profile Ellen. Interestingly,it is said that attorneys never ask questions that they don't already know the answer to.
If Larry King has this gift, do you think that it is an innate ability, or has he learnt it as time goes by?
Posted by: Galba Bright at Tune up your EQ | August 13, 2007 12:35 PM | Permalink to Comment