The Convosphere
How the interview transformed public conversation and changed the world.
The interview format has never been so popular – a cornerstone of old media, podcasts and social media alike. But just 150 years ago, interviews hardly existed. The first ones were shocking.
Since then, journalists, therapists, employers, negotiators, criminologists, performers and the public alike have shaped and reshaped it. And today the public conversations that we call interviews form the bulk of the Convosphere.
Convosphere [ conv – uh – sfeer ]
Noun:
The vast, interconnected network of interviews and conversations that shape our collective understanding at any given moment.
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Author Bio
I’m an author, journalist, and speaker with a passion for exploring the transformative power of conversation and human connection.
I’ve published seven books, translated into 16 languages, including How To Change The World and A Modest Book About How To Make An Adequate Speech.
Over 15 years as a writer and associate editor at some of the most respected newspapers and magazines, including The Financial Times and The Sunday Times, I interviewed a wide range of fascinating individuals, from heads of state and celebrities to “ordinary” people with extraordinary stories.
Here are two such pieces, with Nobel-prize winning writer Harold Pinter and, long before he became UK prime minister, Boris Johnson:
INTERVIEW: Rebel Without A… [Pause] – Lunch With The FT
PROFILE: Don’t Back Boris – Sunday Times Magazine
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As well as straight interviews in mainstream media, I’ve recorded many other conversations with interesting people. Here’s a glimpse of my chat with Olivia Colman, in which I also drew her picture:
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Author Q&A
Q: What makes interviews so special?
A: Interviews are a fascinating blend of conversation and performance. They allow us to delve into the minds of others, uncovering truths (and untruths), emotions and stories that might otherwise remain hidden. The presence of an audience fundamentally changes the nature of the dialogue, amplifying its impact and reach.
Q: Can you share a memorable interview experience?
A: One of the most memorable was when my editor picked me up in his car without telling me who I was going to interview. It turned out to be a high-profile job with a tight deadline. The suspense and pressure were intense, but it was a thrilling experience that highlighted the unpredictable nature of interviews. Another time, I was sent to interview someone and this happened:
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Q: How have interviews changed over time?
A: Not so very long ago, interviews were considered a shocking novelty. That’s hard to believe now, because they’ve since become a cornerstone of media, police work, therapy, and more. Technological advancements like the telegraph, steam printing, and now digital media have continuously created more appetite for interviews, and reshaped how they are conducted.
Q: What can readers expect from “The Convosphere”?
A: Readers can expect a brisk history of interviews, personal anecdotes, and expert insights from related fields such as criminology, therapy, and stage performance.
Q: Is this a How-to book?
A: No. It’s not a manual. But if you read it attentively you’ll definitely have a better sense of how to do interviews – as interviewer and interviewee.
Q: How do you see the future of interviews evolving?
A: The future of interviews will likely be shaped by advancements in technology, such as AI and deepfake technology, as well as changing attitudes towards privacy and public discourse. While the core principles of interviewing will remain much the same, the methods and platforms will continue to evolve, offering new opportunities – and challenges.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from your book?
A: I hope readers gain a deeper appreciation for the sheer art and science of interviewing. It’s a wonderful thing to stand back from, and contemplate. But it’s also intensely practical. By understanding the complexities and nuances of interviews, we can all become more intelligent consumers of media and become better communicators in our own lives. Ultimately, I want to inspire readers to see interviews as a powerful tool for connection and change.
Q: Anything else you want to tell us?
A: Yes! I once designed a pair of Conversation Mugs, for The Department Store for The Mind.
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