Larry King Coaches Conan On His Interview Technique | Late Night with Conan O’Brien

TL;DR

Larry King shares his interviewing tips, emphasizing the importance of listening and keeping the focus on the guest, while also discussing his own show and unique interviewing style.

Transcript

[Applause] oh good to have you here sir it's great to come to the show i love the show it's so live and we can excited this is excitement here baby you're in that studio there's no one there it's just you what kind of bike were you on what's that little girl's bike i prefer a little girl's bike weird looking thing weird i like it um they keep it ni... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎙️ Key Insight 1: Larry King Live has a unique and interactive show format which encourages audience engagement and reactions.
• 👥 Key Insight 2: Listening is an essential skill for conducting a good interview, as it allows the interviewer to focus on the guest and avoid making the conversation about themselves.
• 🎭 Key Insight 3: It is important for interviewers to establish their own style and tone that suits their audience, even if it means deviating from traditional interviewing techniques. ⏰ Key Insight 4: Keeping interviews concise and to the point can make them more impactful and enjoyable for both the audience and the guest.
• 📢 Key Insight 5: The role of the interviewer is crucial, as they can become more important than the guest themselves, adding a unique dynamic to the conversation.
• 🎉 Key Insight 6: Demonstrative and distinctive interview techniques, even if unconventional, can be effective in engaging the audience and making the interview memorable.
• 💬 Key Insight 7: Larry King's imitation of other people's voices, such as "Missoula Falls," is not commonly heard, but it serves as a homage to the person being interviewed.
• 📖 Key Insight 8: Larry King has been a successful interviewer for over 45 years, and his experience and expertise are evident in his ability to connect with guests and captivate audiences.

Questions & Answers

Q: What does Larry King believe is the key to doing a good interview?

According to Larry King, the key to a good interview is listening. He stresses the importance of focusing on the guest and asking short, relevant questions, while leaving oneself out of the conversation. By actively listening, interviewers can create a more engaging and meaningful discussion with their guests.

Q: How does Larry King compare his own show to Larry King Live?

Larry King acknowledges that his show has a different style compared to Larry King Live. He mentions the presence of live audiences in his show, which adds excitement and immediate reactions. He also humorously mentions how guests on his show don't arrive on little girl's bikes like Condoleezza Rice did on Larry King Live. Despite the differences, he appreciates both styles and approaches to interviewing.

Q: What does Larry King think about interviewers who make the conversation about themselves?

Larry King believes it is a mistake for interviewers to make the conversation about themselves. He emphasizes that the guest should be the focus of the interview, and interviewers should keep their own contributions minimal. According to King, leaving oneself out of the conversation is crucial to creating a successful and impactful interview.

Q: How does Larry King suggest interviewers maintain their own unique interviewing style?

Larry King advises interviewers to take his advice and apply it to their own style. He acknowledges that different interviewers have their own unique approaches, and it's important to adapt his tips to fit their individual hosting style. By finding a balance between learning from experienced interviewers like King and incorporating their own personality, interviewers can develop their own successful interviewing style.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Larry King discusses his preference for live audiences and the excitement they bring to his show.

• He compares his own show to Larry King Live, highlighting the different styles and guests.

• Larry King emphasizes the key to good interviewing is listening, asking short questions, and leaving oneself out of the interview.