Background knowledge

Definition

Background knowledge refers to the information and understanding that a person has before encountering a new situation or subject. This knowledge is crucial when preparing for sports interviews, as it allows the interviewer to ask informed questions, engage effectively with the interviewee, and create a comfortable atmosphere for discussion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Having strong background knowledge helps interviewers to craft relevant questions that are tailored to the interviewee's experiences and expertise.
2. Background knowledge can include information about the sport, the athlete’s history, recent performances, and current events related to the team or league.
3. Interviewers who possess background knowledge are better equipped to follow up on answers and create a dynamic conversation.
4. Understanding the interviewee's background can lead to more engaging stories and insights, enriching the overall quality of the interview.
5. Effective preparation that includes gathering background knowledge can increase the likelihood of obtaining exclusive or deeper insights during interviews.

Review Questions

• How does background knowledge influence the types of questions an interviewer might ask during a sports interview?
  • Background knowledge significantly influences the types of questions an interviewer can ask by providing context and relevance to the discussion. When an interviewer is well-informed about the athlete's career, recent performances, and current events in the sport, they can formulate questions that are more insightful and pertinent. This not only makes the interview more interesting but also encourages the interviewee to share more detailed and meaningful responses.
• Discuss the relationship between background knowledge and building rapport with an interviewee in sports reporting.
  • Background knowledge plays a vital role in building rapport with an interviewee because it shows that the interviewer has taken the time to understand their subject. When an interviewer demonstrates familiarity with an athlete's career highlights or personal journey, it fosters trust and comfort, making the interviewee feel valued. This connection often leads to a more open dialogue, where the athlete is more likely to share personal anecdotes and insights that enrich the story being told.
• Evaluate how a lack of background knowledge might affect the outcome of a sports interview and its subsequent reporting.
  • A lack of background knowledge can severely impact the outcome of a sports interview by leading to generic questions that do not engage the interviewee. This results in less meaningful content being shared, which diminishes the quality of reporting. Without sufficient context, reporters may miss critical details that could provide depth to their articles or broadcasts, ultimately leading to less compelling narratives that fail to resonate with audiences or highlight significant aspects of an athlete's career.

Related terms

Research: The process of gathering information about a subject or topic, which is essential for building background knowledge.

Context: The circumstances or setting in which an event occurs, helping to shape how background knowledge is applied during an interview.

Active Listening: A communication technique that involves fully concentrating on what is being said in order to enhance understanding and build upon background knowledge.