CBC Archives

The consummate interviewer, Peter Gzowski conducted over 27,000 interviews on CBC Radio’s Morningside program over 15 years. He once said that the interview process is like paddling a canoe. Ask: How is an interview like paddling a canoe? How do the listeners fit in to the analogy?

Have students explore and scan the topic Peter Gzowski: Voice of Canada on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site in approximately 30 minutes, noting how he is interviewed and also how he interviews. After taking up the information gathered, the class will discuss how to word questions for interviews to elicit thought-provoking responses. Students will then brainstorm questions to ask a friend or family member about the importance of oral communication in that person’s career. After writing, editing, and revising the questions, students conduct and record their interview. They may add questions based on the interviewee’s responses.

Students play their interview for the class. Ask students whether they agree that an interview is like paddling a canoe, or if they have their own analogies for the interview process.

Assessment Tip
Evaluate interviews based on the creation of appropriate questions, the collection and interpretation of key information, and the use of appropriate language for an interview.

Students can think of a person they would like to interview and brainstorm 10 interesting questions that they think will provoke thoughtful responses.