Choose two different television programmes which include interviews: news, political commentary, magazine programmes, chat shows. It does not matter whether the interview is about news information, or simply audience entertainment. In each case observe one interviewer or host or commentator interviewing someone, and make notes on: 

1. What questioning techniques are used, and their effectiveness 

2. What questioning techniques are not used 

3. The interviewer’s use of body language 

4. Whether the interviewer displays social intelligence, and what evidence you can cite 

5. Whether the interviewer displays emotional intelligence, and what evidence you can cite

6. Who controls the flow of conversation – interviewer or interviewee. 

Write a report comparing the similarities and differences in these two interviews. Assess the skill and effectiveness of the interviewer in each case. Where appropriate, determine from your assessment what practical advice you would give to these interviewers to help them to improve their technique. What general conclusions can you reach concerning interviewing skills in general, and television interviewing in particular?