Tina Fey’s 4 Rules for You (and Your Podcast)
When Tina Fey is interviewed, she's following these four rules:
You must agree: In improv, this rule is fundamental and is about accepting what another participant has stated ("Yes") and then adding to it ("and"). In interviews, this means Fey listens and builds upon the conversation rather than contradicting or redirecting it abruptly, which helps in creating a smooth and engaging dialogue.
“Yes and …”: This is a staple of improv used to acknowledge what has been said and then expand on it. When interviewing, Fey uses this to contribute positively to the discussion, offering more depth and often humor. She not only agrees with the interviewer but adds her own twist, enhancing the narrative thread.
Make statements: This rule encourages decisiveness and helps in advancing the conversation. Instead of posing questions that might stall the interview, Fey makes definitive statements which propel discussions forward and showcase her strong, assertive personality.
There are no mistakes: This principle from improv teaches acceptance and flexibility, turning any slip-ups into opportunities or comedic material. Fey embraces any hiccups in her interviews with humor and grace, demonstrating that 'mistakes' can be integral to the entertainment and can reveal authenticity and relatability.
It's worth your time to follow this very simple advice.
For more thoughts on this subject, check out Tina Fey’s book, Bossypants.
