Communication Analysis During the Process of Conducting

Communication Analysis

During the process of conducting an interview there is are selected approaches that are utilized to set the tone of the conversation. Depending upon the style, this can have an effect on the kind of questions and the answers that are provided. In the case of the interview between Michael Parkinson and Meg Ryan, his style had an effect on what was learned in the process. To fully understand what is taking place requires looking at how the interview was conducted. This will be accomplished by focusing on: the style, seating arrangement, questioning approach, purpose and how this could be improved. Together, these different elements will provide specific insights about how to conduct an effective interview. (Mestherie, 1999, pp. 93- 100) ("Meg Ryan on Parkinson," 2011)

Discussion

The interview Parkinson and Meg Ryan is taking a very confrontational style. This occurred when Parkinson began to have condescending responses to the answers that she was providing about a movie. He then used this as a way to dig into her past and personal life (utilizing a judgmental tone). This is a part of the reputation that Parkinson is known for practicing. ("Meg Ryan on Parkinson," 2011)

The problem with this technique is that Ryan appeared to be awkward throughout the interview. Approximately two minutes prior to ending; is when there was a dead spot from her reluctance to continue. It is at this point where one of the other guests began a discussion of her shoes. Once this occurred, is when Parkinson jumped back in and began asking her personal questions about her life (including the divorce she is going through). These elements are showing how this confrontational interview style made the discussion very discomforting. ("Meg Ryan on Parkinson," 2011)

As a result, Parkinson should have kept more of a happy and relaxed tone throughout the interview. This would have allowed Ryan to begin to open up more about a host of issues in her professional and personal life. If this approach was utilized, the interview would have been more entertaining and informative. (Andrews, 2005, pp. 109 -- 111) ("Meg Ryan on Parkinson," 2011)

The seating arrangement was structured in a way that made Ryan feel uncomfortable. This is because she answered Parkinson's questions in front of other guests (who began to comment about her answers). Once this happened, is when Ryan was more nervous and defensive during the interview. ("Meg Ryan on Parkinson," 2011) (Ansell, 2005, pp. 35 -- 104) (Eadie, 2009, pp. 186 -- 193)

The questioning style that was used by Parkinson is to begin talking about a neutral subject. Then, switch and start discussing more personal and controversial topics. In this case, the interview started out with him asking opened ended questions about the movie. At which point, he began focusing his questions on: her personal life, the choices she made and how this is impacting her. The combination of these factors is showing how Parkinson was using a questioning style geared towards creating animosity between himself and the guests. This is when he can begin to talk about more racy topics. (Eadie, 2009, pp. 186 -- 193) ("Meg Ryan on Parkinson," 2011) (Ansell, 2005, pp. 35 -- 104)

The investigative techniques that are utilized by Parkinson are creating confusion about the purpose of the interview. This is because he immediately begins introducing the guest. But, he is not providing any kind background about why Meg Ryan is on the show. If he had taken this approach, there would have been more clarity about why she was there. At the same time, it is bring the audience up-to-date about what is happening with Ryan. (Eadie, 2009, pp. 186 -- 193) ("Meg Ryan on Parkinson," 2011) (Ansell, 2005, pp. 35 -- 104)

The way that Parkinson could improve the interview is to use a completely different style. This is because his current approach is creating an environment where guests feel nervous and intimidated. Once this takes place, is when they are reluctant to answer his questions. Instead, they will provide some insight but will limit the scope of the conversation. This is a part of an effort to keep the tone positive. When this happens, the conversations will be strange and awkward. ("Meg Ryan on Parkinson," 2011) (Eadie, 2009, pp. 186 -- 193) (Ansell, 2005, pp. 35 -- 104)

In Parkinson's case, this has created points where he was unable to maintain control of the interview. This is when other guests and his assistant redirected the conversation (which helped Parkinson to regroup). Once he became re-involved in the discussion, is the point that Parkinson began to question Ryan about her previous and current problems. This caused her to become even more withdrawn (which led to him ending the interview by highlighting how she has a lot of problems). ("Meg Ryan on Parkinson," 2011) (Eadie, 2009, pp. 186 -- 193) (Ansell, 2005, pp. 35 -- 104)

These areas are showing how this controversial approach is making the interview strange. To avoid these issues, there needs to be a focus on creating an environment that is comfortable for guests. The best way to accomplish this objective is to implement a seating arrangement that is more relaxed. This is achieved by having couches (instead of traditional lobby chairs). Moreover, the interviewer should sit right next to the guest with nothing in between them. If this kind of approach was taken, there would been an atmosphere that is more conducive for having intimate discussions. ("Meg Ryan on Parkinson," 2011) (Eadie, 2009, pp. 186 -- 193) (Ansell, 2005, pp. 35 -- 104)

At the same time, Parkinson needs to change his style, questioning techniques and responses to the answers from guests. If he can be less confrontational, everyone will be willing to open up more to him about their personal lives. This is when he will be able to offer viewers a closer look at Ryan. Once this happened, is when the odds decrease of having points where the interviewer will lose control. ("Meg Ryan on Parkinson," 2011) (Eadie, 2009, pp. 186 -- 193) (Ansell, 2005, pp. 35 -- 104)