NPR Interview Observation

Prior to interviewing Patricia Clarkson, the interviewer gave a brief description of the type of roles she typically plays. He described her as the character “that provides the key dramatic turn,” and described some of her previous roles.

Because Clarkson was on the radio show to discuss her role in the upcoming film Married Life, a majority of the questions revolved around her role in the film.

Why did you want to do this film?

When working with Pierce Brosnan were there a lot of James Bond jokes?

The interviewer was particularly talented at building questions. At one point Clarkson explained why she wanted to be in the film and explained that “working with Chris Cooper was a plus.” When the interviewer heard this he immediately followed-up openly asking her to elaborate on why she was so enthusiastic about working with Cooper.

I feel the primary strategy was simply feeding off of Clarkson’s energy. It seemed as though he would sense what she was enthusiastic about and simply ask her to elaborate.

During the interview there was only one question that could have raised an eyebrow or be taken as inadequate or evasive.

At one point the interviewer was kindly trying to ask Clarkson if she is more open to certain scripts now that she has been in the industry for some time. Clarkson slightly giggled and made a joke about her only being 28. You could sense that the interviewer was hesitant to mention age, and it lead to an almost awkward question. I think the main reason why I was skeptical of the question is because it didn’t seem to have a point other than bringing up her age. Similarly, the answer didn’t offer much but and embarrassing chuckle. Some things are better left unsaid.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88276534

Word Count: 300

Word of the week #7

Word: Furtive

Word use:

There were several furtive attempts to create special purpose listservs, first through the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) with the Free Radio List, then with the Free Radio Emergency Response List.

Definitions:

Furtive – adj.

1. Characterized by stealth; surreptitious.
2. Expressive of hidden motives or purposes; shifty. See Synonyms at secret.

** Both definitions could be applicable to the use of furtive in the above sentence.

My Sentence:

The audience could see through her furtive speech.

Word Count: 83

Mystery character

His royal blue color sets him apart from all other animals of his species. His bright red sneakers help him to sprint through loops and turns, avoiding spikes which cause him to lose all of his riches. His suave and hip voice makes him down to earth and likable.

Want to know who the Mystery Character is?

Word of the week #6

Word: Salient

Word Usage:

After all, what we as human observers consider to be salient acoustic features of the repertoire may turn out to be irrelevant from the rhesus monkey’s perspective.

Definitions:

-noun

1. prominent or conspicuous: salient traits.
2. projecting or pointing outward: a salient angle.
3. leaping or jumping: a salient animal
4. Heraldry. (of a beast) represented as leaping: a lion salient.
5. a salient angle or part, as the central outward-projecting angle of a bastion or an outward projection in a battle line.
6. Physical Geography. a landform that extends out beyond its surroundings, as a spur projecting from the side of a mountain

Applicable definition:

1. prominent or conspicuous: salient traits.

My Sentence:

The salient trait allows for frogs to recognize the mating call specific to its species.

Reference:

Hauser, M. (1996). The evolution of communication. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press.

Word Count: 148