anyone ever interview young teens? if so, what did you learn? at DVinfo.net

Rob Katz · February 27th, 2014, 08:50 PM

anyone ever interview young teens? if so, what did you learn?

i'm interviewing a half dozen young teens (13-17) about a volunteer experience each did for a cancer organization.

i have done plenty of interviews.

not so many with this age group.

if you have interviewed this age group, what did you learn?

thanks in advance to those who acre to share.

be well.

rob
smalltalk productions/nyc

Jamie Roberts · March 2nd, 2014, 06:27 AM

Like any age group it depends on how articulate the subject is. I do lots of education related productions and am not shy about asking for the school or grades most articulate and interesting kids!
Often they are more self conscious so keeping it light, fun.
They may need help framing their answers in a way you can use.
Be prepared to get lots of B roll if they struggle and give short responses!

Les Wilson · March 3rd, 2014, 08:03 AM

Give them the questions ahead of time but warn them it doesn't work if everyone says the same thing. Provide sample answers (humor works well here).

Treat them as adults. Ask if there were funny incidents to loosen them up even if you don't want that content. Learn their vocabulary and use it in the questions.

Be prepared to do a blooper reel. Should be a scream.

Kevin McRoberts · March 3rd, 2014, 09:11 AM

I learned that too many of them start and end every statement with "so." As in, "So, this sentence should end succinctly, but it doesn't, so..." "So" is apparently what "like" used to be. It can make editing a chore as there's always the intonation of some extra unsaid statement hanging out there.

Warren Kawamoto · March 3rd, 2014, 11:14 AM

Rather than you conducting the interview, try getting one of the 13 year olds to ask the questions for you. You'll find that the responders will be much more at ease, and you'll get better material to work with!

Paul R Johnson · March 4th, 2014, 10:51 AM

They'll almost certainly NOT say what you expect. I work a fair bit with this age group and you can get clear concise and amazingly detailed info one moment then it degenerates into chaos. Never ask closed questions, and be aware some will play up to the camera and others will shut down.

February 27th, 2014, 08:50 PM	#1
Rob Katz Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: new york city, new york Posts: 594	anyone ever interview young teens? if so, what did you learn? anyone ever interview young teens? if so, what did you learn? i'm interviewing a half dozen young teens (13-17) about a volunteer experience each did for a cancer organization. i have done plenty of interviews. not so many with this age group. if you have interviewed this age group, what did you learn? thanks in advance to those who acre to share. be well. rob smalltalk productions/nyc

March 2nd, 2014, 06:27 AM	#2
Jamie Roberts Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: bendigo, australia Posts: 204	Re: anyone ever interview young teens? if so, what did you learn? Like any age group it depends on how articulate the subject is. I do lots of education related productions and am not shy about asking for the school or grades most articulate and interesting kids! Often they are more self conscious so keeping it light, fun. They may need help framing their answers in a way you can use. Be prepared to get lots of B roll if they struggle and give short responses!

March 3rd, 2014, 08:03 AM	#3
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Re: anyone ever interview young teens? if so, what did you learn? Give them the questions ahead of time but warn them it doesn't work if everyone says the same thing. Provide sample answers (humor works well here). Treat them as adults. Ask if there were funny incidents to loosen them up even if you don't want that content. Learn their vocabulary and use it in the questions. Be prepared to do a blooper reel. Should be a scream.

March 3rd, 2014, 09:11 AM	#4
Kevin McRoberts Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 700	Re: anyone ever interview young teens? if so, what did you learn? I learned that too many of them start and end every statement with "so." As in, "So, this sentence should end succinctly, but it doesn't, so..." "So" is apparently what "like" used to be. It can make editing a chore as there's always the intonation of some extra unsaid statement hanging out there. __________________ Freelance pudgy bearded lighting camera operator www.mcbob.tv

March 3rd, 2014, 11:14 AM	#5
Warren Kawamoto Trustee Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,435	Re: anyone ever interview young teens? if so, what did you learn? Rather than you conducting the interview, try getting one of the 13 year olds to ask the questions for you. You'll find that the responders will be much more at ease, and you'll get better material to work with!

March 4th, 2014, 10:51 AM	#6
Paul R Johnson Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lowestoft - UK Posts: 4,044	Re: anyone ever interview young teens? if so, what did you learn? They'll almost certainly NOT say what you expect. I work a fair bit with this age group and you can get clear concise and amazingly detailed info one moment then it degenerates into chaos. Never ask closed questions, and be aware some will play up to the camera and others will shut down.