Wonderful book for conducting customer discovery! "Talk to Me" by Dean Nelson

Title: Talk to Me: How to Ask Better Questions, Get Better Answers, and Interview Anyone Like a Pro

Author: Dean Nelson

Reviewer: Richard Sesek (educator, wantrepreneur)

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Topic/Intent of book: Journalist and professor Dean Nelson provides a comprehensive guide to the art of interviewing. Drawing on over forty years of experience, he offers practical advice on preparing for interviews, crafting effective questions, and building rapport with interviewees. The book aims to demystify the interviewing process, making it accessible and applicable across various professions.

I selected this book because: As an educator (and wannabe entrepreneur), effective communication is crucial. I chose this book to enhance my ability to ask insightful questions and engage in meaningful conversations, skills that are valuable in both teaching and business contexts. Also, I would like to start a website and podcast on lifelong learning and I thought this book could provide valuable insight.

Recommendation: YES! I was specifically looking for good advice for performing customer discovery and for interviewing book authors for a podcast that I plan to begin. This book really delivered! I highly recommend this book to entrepreneurs struggling with customer discovery, people wishing to interview others for a radio or television program, and anyone wishing to have deeper conversations that can reveal peoples’ motivations and intent, not simply retell stories with which the audience is already familiar.

Major lessons from this book: The are several major takeaways, here are a few of them. Do your homework! Research your subject, formulate thoughtful questions, do not repeat questions that have been asked/answered many times (e.g., by other interviewers). Use open-ended questions and avoid “yes/no” questions. This encourages the interviewee to share more information and provide deeper insights as they will be telling their story rather than answering simple questions. If they are famous, they likely have answered the “obvious” simple questions to the point that they find them annoying. Be an active listener. Don’t worry about the next question on pre-determined list, be ready to go in new directions. Pick up on the nuance of the conversation and respect where the interviewee is going with their answers. Be careful and respectful of sensitive topics.

Establishing a connection and building rapport can lead to more comfort in sharing from the interviewee. This can be difficult, particularly given time constraints. This is where your homework on the subject can pay off in demonstrating to the interviewee that you really are interested in their story and perspective and that you have “done your homework” (i.e., read their book before asking about it!).

Book Inspirations: The emphasis on preparation and active listening has inspired me to approach my interactions with greater intentionality. By applying these principles, I aim to foster more meaningful and informative conversations in both personal and professional endeavors. I look forward to interviewing people for my lifelong learning website!