Interviewing at an event isn't like interviewing in a studio. There's noise, everyone's in a hurry and the guest has just come out of one talk or is on their way to another. You need questions that get straight to the point, bring out the best in each person in ten minutes and produce lines that work on their own in a clip.
⚡ In 30 seconds
- Keep it short: four to six questions.
- Start with something easy and specific to put the guest at ease.
- Ask everyone at least one of the same questions, for a final compilation.
- End with a question that calls for a short, punchy soundbite.
Context shapes the questions
- Not much time: no three-part questions.
- Lots of noise: short, direct answers.
- For social media: every answer should make sense without the question.
💡 Tip
Ask the guest to include the question in their answer: "What surprised me most today was...". That way each clip makes sense on its own.
Ice-breaker questions
Getting started
- 01
What brought you here today?
Easy, open and sets the scene.
- 02
What's the best thing you've heard today?
Ties in with the event and gives you fresh content.
- 03
Explain what you do as if to a ten-year-old
Fun, and it forces them to be clear.
Questions about the industry
- Which trend will change your industry in the next five years?
- What mistake do you see people make again and again in your profession?
- What advice would you give someone starting out?
- Which idea from your talk would you like everyone to remember?
- If you had to bet on just one thing this year, what would it be?
The best question at an event is the one the guest hasn't already answered ten times that day.
Personal questions that work
A personal touch makes the interview more human and produces the most-shared clips.
- What's been the toughest moment of your career, and what did you learn?
- Which book, podcast or person changed the way you work?
- What do you do when you're not working?
Closing questions
| Ask | What it's for |
|---|---|
| Sum up your idea in one sentence | The perfect closing clip |
| Where can people follow you? | Gives the guest something back and extends your reach |
| Who would you like to hear on this podcast? | Gives you your next guest |
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Closed questions that can be answered with a yes or no.
- Reading out the questions without looking at the guest.
- Interrupting just as the best answer is on its way.
To dig deeper into technique, read how to prepare a podcast interview.
🎙️ How we do it at Abbsolut
We prepare the questions with you, host the interviews if needed and record with professional sound right in the middle of the event. Find out more about our podcasts at conferences and trade shows service.
In short
Keep the questions few and clear, with answers that work on their own. Break the ice, move on to the industry, add a personal touch and end with a strong soundbite. That way every interview becomes several clips ready to publish.
Shall we do the interviews together at your next event?
Tell us about the event and we'll send you a no-obligation proposal.
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