--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: My theory for a good interview is to…" description: "\"My theory for a good interview is to listen to a person and react. I would always ask a question that was pertinent to the mindset of the talent, wheth..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df9/gene-okerlund-29034_good_my-theory-for-a-good-interview-is-to-lis_116093.jpg" --- # My theory for a good interview is to listen to a person… ![“My theory for a good interview is to listen to a person and react. I would always ask a question that was pertinent to the mindset of the talent, whether it was who they were going to meet, where they were going to meet them, and what they were going to do.” quote by Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df9/gene-okerlund-29034_good_my-theory-for-a-good-interview-is-to-lis_116093.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df9/gene-okerlund-29034_good_my-theory-for-a-good-interview-is-to-lis_116093.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df9/gene-okerlund-29034_good_my-theory-for-a-good-interview-is-to-lis_116093.jpg) > “My theory for a good interview is to listen to a person and react. I would always ask a question that was pertinent to the mindset of the talent, whether it was who they were going to meet, where they were going to meet them, and what they were going to do.” [Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Effective interviews hinge on active listening and tailoring questions to the interviewee’s current mindset and context. **In simple terms:** Listen, then ask relevant,. Key Takeaway Tailored queries deepen insight. Themes communication interview technique empathy Mood thoughtful engaging Type advice instruction When to use this quote - job interviews - journalistic reporting - podcast hosting Key Concepts active listening contextual relevance Practical Applications - Prepare flexible question outlines - Observe cues before probing Questions to Reflect On - How can you balance structure with spontaneity? - What signals indicate a shift in the interviewee’s mindset? A Different Perspective Over‑focus on mindset may ignore unexpected, valuable topics. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ask A Question](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ask-a-question/) [Interview](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interview/) [Mindset](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mindset/) [Talent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/talent/) ## Related quotes > [I'm actively trying to get away from the over-exposure that happened eight years ago. The only thing a celebrity can do in one of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matt-damon/i-m-actively-trying-to-get-away-from-the-over-exposure-that-happened/) [Matt Damon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matt-damon/) > [“When people are looking for causes of failure, they are predisposed to one of these positions. Suppose you apply for a job, but fail…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barry-schwartz/when-people-are-looking-for-causes-of-failure-they-are-predisposed-to/) [Barry Schwartz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barry-schwartz/) > [I'm not a very good interview, usually.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gregory-smith/i-m-not-a-very-good-interview-usually/) [Gregory Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gregory-smith/) > [I've always been able to hear and read what I say before I say it. That's why I'm a good quote. Or a good…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/reggie-jackson/i-ve-always-been-able-to-hear-and-read-what-i-say-before-i-say-it/) [Reggie Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/reggie-jackson/) > [If you interrupt somebody too early, if you miss it and don't interrupt at all - that's the difference between a good interview and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-maitlis/if-you-interrupt-somebody-too-early-if-you-miss-it-and-don-t/) [Emily Maitlis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-maitlis/) > [Charles Barkley is always a good interview because he's honest.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samantha-ponder/charles-barkley-is-always-a-good-interview-because-he-s-honest/) [Samantha Ponder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samantha-ponder/) > [It is harder to lie in an interview. A good interview - and it can be polite - is not a one way street…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/greta-van-susteren/it-is-harder-to-lie-in-an-interview-a-good-interview-and-it-can-be/) [Greta Van Susteren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/greta-van-susteren/) > [To do a really good interview, you have to be truly interested in the person.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daisy-fuentes/to-do-a-really-good-interview-you-have-to-be-truly-interested-in-the/) [Daisy Fuentes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daisy-fuentes/) > [To give a good interview, I often found it's a bit like acting, except it's yourself, so you have to be yourself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-sharp/to-give-a-good-interview-i-often-found-it-s-a-bit-like-acting-except/) [Alex Sharp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-sharp/) > [We are professionals. We are going to finish that way. In reality, how we conduct ourselves in this period and how well our players…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-hankwitz/we-are-professionals-we-are-going-to-finish-that-way-in-reality-how/) Mike Hankwitz > [I never think of access or good will. I just want a good interview. I want guests to be informative and entertaining. I've never…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/larry-king/i-never-think-of-access-or-good-will-i-just-want-a-good-interview-i/) [Larry King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/larry-king/) > [There's no easy way around it, no matter how talented you are ... your talent is going to fail you if you're not skilled.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/will-smith/there-s-no-easy-way-around-it-no-matter-how-talented-you-are-your/) [Will Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/will-smith/) > [As an actor, when you are called upon to do a job, you are oftentimes convinced you can't do it. You say to yourself…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erich-bergen/as-an-actor-when-you-are-called-upon-to-do-a-job-you-are-oftentimes/) [Erich Bergen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erich-bergen/) > [Whenever I see an opportunity and a chance to change something, I go at it and I lay out all the facts to everybody.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-johnson/whenever-i-see-an-opportunity-and-a-chance-to-change-something-i-go/) [Robert Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-johnson/) > [Ring Of Honor has always been about young, hungry talent, and going out there and leaving it all in the ring.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marty-scurll/ring-of-honor-has-always-been-about-young-hungry-talent-and-going-out/) [Marty Scurll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marty-scurll/) ## More by Gene Okerlund > [I think I have some advice for both the talent, and the 'powers that be' in professional wrestling. I would say let the guys…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-okerlund/i-think-i-have-some-advice-for-both-the-talent-and-the-powers-that-be/) [Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) > [To go into the WWE Hall of Fame as the very first announcer was a big, big honor for me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-okerlund/to-go-into-the-wwe-hall-of-fame-as-the-very-first-announcer-was-a-big/) [Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) > [I think as time goes on, people may realize the golden age of wrestling may have been in the 1970s and early 1980s.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-okerlund/i-think-as-time-goes-on-people-may-realize-the-golden-age-of/) [Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) > [The thing I do remember the most of Wrestlemania, which was a high point for me, was Wrestlemania 1. The fact we made it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-okerlund/the-thing-i-do-remember-the-most-of-wrestlemania-which-was-a-high/) [Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) > [We know somebody's got to win, somebody's got to lose, but aside from that, there's a lot of latitude and spontaneity and free-wheeling that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-okerlund/we-know-somebody-s-got-to-win-somebody-s-got-to-lose-but-aside-from/) [Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) > [People expect you to top yourself - to always have more and bigger.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-okerlund/people-expect-you-to-top-yourself-to-always-have-more-and-bigger/) [Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) > [Bobby is the Aaron Rodgers of managers in professional wrestling - Rodgers works magic on the professional football field, but Bobby Heenan did the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-okerlund/bobby-is-the-aaron-rodgers-of-managers-in-professional-wrestling/) [Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) > [Goldberg is destined for stardom.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-okerlund/goldberg-is-destined-for-stardom/) [Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) > [Retirement for old people, forget about it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-okerlund/retirement-for-old-people-forget-about-it/) [Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) > [I have a tremendous amount of gratitude to those who enjoyed my work. It's something we did together, because I must have given them…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-okerlund/i-have-a-tremendous-amount-of-gratitude-to-those-who-enjoyed-my-work/) [Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) > [I can tell you, I was in Seoul, Korea, and I had people come up to me in the airport and say 'Congratulations on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-okerlund/i-can-tell-you-i-was-in-seoul-korea-and-i-had-people-come-up-to-me-in/) [Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) > [I've worked with all these guys, Jim Ross, Mr. Fuji, Nick Bockwinkel, Bobby Heenan.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-okerlund/i-ve-worked-with-all-these-guys-jim-ross-mr-fuji-nick-bockwinkel/) [Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) > [Wrestlemania is the event of the year. Always has been and always will be.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-okerlund/wrestlemania-is-the-event-of-the-year-always-has-been-and-always-will/) [Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) > [For the most part I'm living the life I want to lead.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-okerlund/for-the-most-part-i-m-living-the-life-i-want-to-lead/) [Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) > [People loved to hate Bobby Heenan.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-okerlund/people-loved-to-hate-bobby-heenan/) [Gene Okerlund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) [Explore all 18 Gene Okerlund quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-okerlund/) ## More Good quotes > [When I came to Chelsea, it was clear that, like many other players, I would first be loaned out. 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That is up to you, but in my opinion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peyton-list/if-you-want-to-edit-your-photos-and-make-yourself-look-different-go/) [Peyton List](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peyton-list/) > [I met Rajini sir after 'Jigarthanda,' and he said he liked my film. He told me I could approach him whenever I had a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karthik-subbaraj/i-met-rajini-sir-after-jigarthanda-and-he-said-he-liked-my-film-he/) [Karthik Subbaraj](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karthik-subbaraj/) > [I have really good lateral movement. I've always had quick lateral movement.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/austin-rivers/i-have-really-good-lateral-movement-i-ve-always-had-quick-lateral/) [Austin Rivers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/austin-rivers/) > [Sometimes I'm in a bad mood, sometimes I'm in a good mood. It's like everyone else.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tricky/sometimes-i-m-in-a-bad-mood-sometimes-i-m-in-a-good-mood-it-s-like/) [Tricky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tricky/) > [Eric Clapton's scales - when he comes off a high note and it's time for a refrain or a little bit of a rest,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-rea/eric-clapton-s-scales-when-he-comes-off-a-high-note-and-it-s-time-for/) [Chris Rea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-rea/) > [I studied all kinds of dance, all types of music. I got good grades. I started hitting the recording studio around 13.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jason-derulo/i-studied-all-kinds-of-dance-all-types-of-music-i-got-good-grades-i/) [Jason Derulo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jason-derulo/) > [Everybody has their cliques, and I was very shy. I'm still very shy. Music opened up doors. I would get to my choir class,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luis-fonsi/everybody-has-their-cliques-and-i-was-very-shy-i-m-still-very-shy/) [Luis Fonsi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/luis-fonsi/) > [My only close-to-game-plan is to follow good writing. If the writing is in TV or if it's in theater or in film, that's it.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-driver/my-only-close-to-game-plan-is-to-follow-good-writing-if-the-writing/) [Adam Driver](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-driver/) > [The Derby experience had not been good for me and the way it finished left a very bad taste in my mouth so I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nigel-pearson/the-derby-experience-had-not-been-good-for-me-and-the-way-it-finished/) [Nigel Pearson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nigel-pearson/) > [I think I am against stereotype. Generally, Asian guys are more quiet - they study and have a good work ethic. 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