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The way I work, the interview never becomes larger than the person being interviewed.
Ken Burns
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The interview process should focus on the subject rather than the interviewer’s agenda.

Ken Burns emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the individual being interviewed in a conversation, suggesting that the true essence of an interview lies in exploring and highlighting their personality, stories, and experiences. By doing so, the interview becomes a platform for the interviewee to shine rather than a stage for the interviewer’s dominance, fostering a more genuine and meaningful dialogue.

Themes

InterviewPersonDialogueStorytellingConversation

In practice

Example use cases

In a journalism class discussing ethical interview techniques.

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