Interviews. It’s a skill that requires research and preparation but mostly the ability to have an honest conversation. Recently it’s a dominant form for local media outlets, magazines and blogs.
Looking back at the local interviews I’ve enjoyed what I look for: setting of a scene (location/time), the story behind their most well known trait, the context of the current work they are doing/promoting, and an honest conversation.
Probably ‘an honest conversation’ is hardest to quantify. It’s made up from unguarded moments, when the interview touches on aspects of their personality nobody has remarked on, or breaking through a formal barrier between the interviewer and the interviewee.
In a podcast format you can hear this when someone says, “Nobody has asked me that before,” or there is a long pause when the person has to formulate an answer. But in writing it’s harder to come across.
Below I’ll share recent local interviews that I’ve really enjoyed, which are a mixture of these things as I mentioned above. I probably favour longer interviews and than shorter snapper interviews.
thescoop.co/2018/01/07/mee… Brings up new points about Babu Sinur and touches on the highs and lows of being a local celebrity. @thescoop_co
Chilling with Syafi. Edited for clarity but looks seamless, the podcast is fastly becoming the go to place for the latest in Brunei. Towards the middle Lambak Lords really opens up and shares. @SyafiHalim
Q&A #8 w/ Dr. Malai - Effective since it brings a new audience to Dr. Malai’s work and also brings two unexpected people together. A great example of the Youtube format.
1001magazine.co/2016/08/15/bis… 1001 Bintang. Was interesting to read Maria opening up about trying to forge a music career in Brunei.
Aaron’s Biz Brunei pieces are character studies and give dimension to the owners of the businesses featured. bizbrunei.com/2018/12/at-86-…
