Mastering the art of interviewing is more than just asking questions—it’s about knowing which questions to ask, how to ask them, and, just as importantly, when to stay silent. In today’s Be the Voice of Girls session, the second part of The Art of the Interview with Eriech Tapia, the girls built upon last week’s discussion, exploring the nuances of questioning and the power of listening.
The session began with a reflection on last week’s topic: journalism and free speech. The conversation took an unexpected but fascinating turn when Eriech brought up something from the news—Taylor Swift being booed at the Super Bowl. Some of the girls were unfamiliar with the details, but this quickly became a real-time exercise in breaking down a story using the five W’s and how. Who was involved? What happened? When and where did it take place? Why was it significant? And how did it unfold? This simple framework, essential for journalists, helped the girls see how even pop culture moments can be dissected like a news story.
From there, the discussion shifted to the structure of questions themselves. Eriech explained that there’s a big difference between questions that invite discussion and those that only allow for a simple yes or no answer. He asked the girls to think about how a question can shape a conversation. A closed-ended question—”Did you watch the Super Bowl?”—gives limited information. But an open-ended question—”How do you think public perception of celebrities is shaped by media?”—can lead to a much deeper and more thoughtful response.
The girls then took turns transforming their own closed-ended questions into open-ended ones. One of the most creative questions of the day was: “Do you think colors have emotions? Why or why not?” A question like that doesn’t just gather facts; it sparks thought, reflection, and a real conversation.
After discussing question structure, the girls worked in small breakout groups to analyze news stories and apply what they had learned. Their task was to find a news article and break it down using the five W’s and how. Each group took a different approach—one focused on Odysseus’ long journey home, while another examined a real-world debate about legislation on stray animals in Turkey. One group tackled a tragic hotel fire, leading to an insightful conversation about how journalists decide which details should be placed at the top of a story to make it clear and impactful for readers.
One of the most valuable lessons of the day wasn’t about speaking at all—it was about silence. Eriech shared a tip that many professional journalists use: after someone answers a question, wait. Give them a few moments of quiet. More often than not, they will continue talking, revealing even deeper insights. It’s an interviewing technique that can feel uncomfortable at first, but when done well, it leads to more meaningful conversations.
The session wrapped up with a challenge: throughout the week, the girls were encouraged to think critically about the news they consume. Where does it come from? Who is telling the story? And how are different sources framing the same event? Next time, the focus will shift from interviewing to storytelling—using everything they’ve learned to craft compelling narratives. But before that, Eriech left them with one final request for next week’s icebreaker: come prepared to share your favorite song and candy.
It’s these little moments—laughing over a shared love of lokum (also known as Turkish delight), debating the emotional weight of colors, or pausing just long enough to hear what someone really wants to say—that make these sessions so much more than lessons. They’re stepping stones toward confidence, curiosity, and the ability to find and share one’s voice.
