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Competition Interviews

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General interview information:

  • Interviews happen at every level of competition (County, State, Nationals).

  • There is one interview per project per competition.

  • Interviews typically range from 10-15 minutes.

  • For group project interviews, at least one group member must be present.

  • There may be a few judges present per interview.

  • Depending on the competition, judges may ask you 1 to a few questions.

  • Each project will get a set interview time.

  • Some competitions will allow you to request a time of day (ex: morning/afternoon).

  • Depending on the competition, audience members (family, friends, other competitors), will not be allowed to be present during the interview.

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NHD-CA Interview Questions

What is an interview?

An interview is when judges look over your project (ex: watch your documentary), and ask you questions regarding it
 

What is the purpose of an interview?

An interview shows judges that you were the one(s) that created your project.

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​General interview tips:

  • Don't be nervous! You are the experts of your topic, not the judges

  • Prepare answers to questions ahead of time, but don't memorize!

  • Speak slowly, loud, and confidently.

  • Your answers should reflect your passion and ideas on the topic and your project.

  • Come prepared with your written documents (title page, annotated bibliography, process paper), and the necessary equipment to run your project (ex: computer for a website or documentary) just incase!

  • Be honest!​

Category Interview Processes

Documentary
1. You will spend the majority of the interview (maximum of 10 minutes) watching your documentary with the judges, start to end.
2. For around 5 minutes, judges will take turns asking you questions (from the list). 
Exhibit
*All exhibits are placed in one room. Depending on the competition, interviews will occur in a separate room or in the main room*
1. Judges will view your project prior during the interview.
2. Judges will take turns asking you questions (from the list).
Paper:
1. Judges have already previewed your paper beforehand, so judges will take turns asking you questions directly (from the list).
Performance:
1. You will spend the majority of the interview (maximum of 10 minutes) presenting your performance to the judges, start to end.
2. For around 5 minutes, judges will take turns asking you questions (from the list).
Podcast:
1. You will spend the majority of the interview (the length of your podcast) listening to your podcast with the judges, start to end.
2. For around 5 minutes, judges will take turns asking you questions (from the list).
Website:
1. Judges have already previewed your website beforehand, so judges will take turns asking you questions directly (from the list).

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NHD CA YLC. All rights reserved.

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