Engagement-Driven Content Strategy

The interview involved two individuals, including my grandmother and one new neighbor I do not know very well. I inquired about the films they loved and how they informed their view of the world. My neighbor mentioned that she enjoyed the Titanic, whereas my grandmother mentioned, ‘And God said to Cain.’ During the interview, I strongly connected with my grandmother because she shared spiritual sentiments that I understood and lived by. My grandmother’s interview was relaxed and transitioned into a lengthy chat. My neighbor was somewhat guarded or apprehensive about the interview, necessitating numerous explanations for why I was interviewing her. I had to mention that the interview concerned an assignment that I had. She became comfortable answering the questions after I clarified that I only needed her responses for an assignment. The encounter with my neighbor transitioned from nervous to somewhat comfortable as the interview proceeded.

The primary difference between the two interviews concerned the reception that the person I was familiar with provided in contrast to the individual I was unfamiliar with. Familiar people tend to embody some sense of warmth or comfort during interviews. Strangers, conversely, tend to embody apprehensiveness, which prompts explanations for why the interaction has to ensue. Strangers also remain guarded about letting other people in their personal space or spending time with strangers. Familiar people tend to allow people they are familiar with into their personal space and may not have reservations about spending time as long as the encounter does not invade their obligations or life responsibilities.

I felt a sense of familiarity and openness with my grandmother while conducting the interview. I felt like she was receptive to me in a warm way even as she allowed me into her personal space and explained how films influenced her worldview, making the conversation run for two hours. In contrast, I felt a sense of apprehensiveness towards my neighbor, which prompted the explanation for why I wanted to have a conversation with her. However, I felt a sense of receptiveness once my neighbor understood why the interview was important. Despite the receptiveness that my neighbor embodied, some sense of formality remained while conducting the interview.