Should I send questions in advance?
Sending questions in advance can flatten an interview into rehearsed answers. But "thinkers" — big-picture questions — are the exception. Here's how to decide.
You'll probably have a list of pre-written questions as a framework. But you won't want to ask them in a linear, game-show-host style.
Sending the full list ahead can cause guests to overthink and rehearse answers. That doesn't make for an engaging or authentic conversation.
Certain questions are worth pre-warning about — "thinkers" like "What's your favourite book?" or "What advice do you have for someone just starting out?" Nobody answers those well on the spot.
Those are the exception, not the rule. Default: keep the full list to yourself.
Your task
Send questions, or keep them yourself?
Three quick questions. We'll tell you what to send to this particular guest.
Question 1 of 3