Many people say it is all about how our day begins. If we rush at very onset of the day, we will be missing a beat the rest of the day. How about starting the day with a meeting, that too with “wonderful people?” Minutes later, you realise how exceptional the day was. Of course, it depends on what we are talking about.
Interviewing individuals for programmes and news stories are a treat, but in these discussions, the interviewer wouldn’t think of expressing one’s opinion. It is more of a question-and-answer format. When it’s a conversation, it is an exchange of ideas.
If the gathered individuals complement each other, it is truly an enriching experience. Never mind the time because topics flow like water — one related to another or at times not so connected — yet it makes the conversation more dynamic.
An interviewer is successful when an interviewee opens up with information.
Just as I met my interviewees for a story, they were formal and spoke about the subject. Soon our conversation assumed different angles, that is when they began to give the best of quotes.
Words came from the heart. Towards the end, they said, “We are not professionals.” Who is, I asked? If anyone claims to be a professional, then they would be too prepared and the interview would not be exciting.
There is something wonderful about natural conversations. Of course, one would want to cover all topics.
Having conversations with meaningful people is like reading a good book. There are people who read one book at a time and there are others who can read four to five simultaneously.
Schoolkids go through that process every day. Whether the aptitude is there or not, they look forward to each day, making adults wonder if they are digesting all the knowledge that is being passed on.
There is that wonder in each lesson that they study however short their attention span may be. That would make a teacher’s job one of the most fascinating in the world. Each day, a teacher has a collection of young fresh minds to leave an imprint.
How they do it is crucial. The technique can make a child run away or remain glued to the subject.
I once had an opportunity to read stories to schoolchildren. Each one wanted their favourite subject. Reading to them and looking into their eyes is one of the most challenging tasks, for you know you have lost their attention by just looking into their eyes.
They do not look away as long as the narrator has caught their imagination.
No matter what, a child has a secret formula that helps them bounce back with new energy and new outlook.
Somewhere along, we lose touch with that secret of leaving behind yesterday where it belongs and wake up with a new beginning. I am sure this energy does have an impact on teachers too. Here they are with lots of seedlings. They are unidentified seedlings. They show interests depicting interests as much as the tender leaves of seedlings. It is only when they grow up we will know their true calls.
Now imagine being in an area surrounded by artists from different countries but they all paint to express themselves. Who needs a language? Techniques vary, so do their inspiration and subjects. This again was one of the best collection of interviewees.
The artists who have come together for the first Art Symposium organised by Bait Al Zubair have a certain calmness around them. They have the focus and the team spirit. Can’t wait to be back with them.
Lakshmi Kothaneth
lakshmiobserver@gmail.com
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