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A female audio journalist leans in for an intimate, connected interview with a young boy, wearing over-ear headphones and holding a silver Electro-Voice 635A microphone close to capture his voice clearly. They’ve stepped away from the busiest parts of the Christmas market into a quieter passage framed by evergreen hedges wrapped in twinkling lights, creating a calm, private pocket of space. The noisy market fades into a soft, distant blur behind them.

Move in closer

The eight Day of Christmas

By Nick Dunkerley

🎄 If you thought dragging your guest into a coat closet during a Christmas party was awkward, brace yourself - it’s about to get even more cringe-worthy.
This time, we’re getting close.
No, closer.
Really, really close.

Let’s pull back for a moment and set the scene.

The Polite Distance Problem


Picture this; you’re sitting across from your interviewee at their desk, microphone in hand.
You’re polite, maintaining a safe distance between you.
They’re comfortable, you’re comfortable.
Everyone’s happy.

Except the sound.

Here’s the problem:

  1. Off-Mic Moments:
    Passing the microphone back and forth across a table creates gaps in sound quality.
    Your questions and their answers might be slightly off-mic at times.

  2. Cable Noise:
    Every time you move the mic, the XLR cable might click or rustle.
    This is why you’ll often see reporters wrapping the cable around their finger.
    It helps, but it’s not perfect.

The polite distance may feel professional, but it sacrifices both sound quality and intimacy.

A female audio journalist interviews a young boy at a Christmas market, smiling as she listens through over-ear headphones. Dressed in a beige high-collared winter coat and carrying a shoulder bag, she holds a silver Electro-Voice 635A microphone toward him to capture his voice. They stand beside a glowing holiday light structure and a glass-walled ice rink, with warm market lights and crowds softly blurred in the background.

The Close-Up Solution


The fix?

Sit next to your guest.

Yes, right next to them.
Think couch close.
When your heads are practically side by side, the microphone can stay steady between you.

Here’s why this works:

  • Better Sound:
    The mic doesn’t need to move, eliminating off-mic moments and cable noise.

  • More Authentic Answers:
    Physical proximity creates a sense of intimacy, encouraging your guest to open up.

A female audio journalist leans in for a close, intimate interview with a young boy, listening through over-ear headphones and holding a silver Electro-Voice 635A microphone just below his mouth. They stand against a dense evergreen backdrop covered in twinkling white lights, creating a quiet, sheltered pocket away from the market noise. The boy, in a dark puffer jacket and olive beanie, looks ahead thoughtfully as she watches him with focused attention.

How to Get Comfortable


Getting this close can feel awkward, especially at first. The key is to ease into it respectfully:

1. Start With No Barriers

  • Begin by removing any physical barriers, like a desk or table.
    Sit across from them in an open space.
Hindenburg Systems Close Interview Christmas collection Folder Journalist Podcaster Scandinavian Introduction Electro Voice 635A

2. Ask Casual Questions First

  • Use the soundcheck as a warm-up.
    Ask easy, non-threatening questions like;
    “How was your morning?”
    or “What’s your favorite holiday food?”
Hindenburg Systems Close Interview Christmas collection Folder Journalist Podcaster Scandinavian Interviewing Kid explaining Electro Voice 635A at Midrange

3. Close the Gap Gradually

  • As the conversation flows, move in a little closer.
    Adjust naturally, always checking that both of you are comfortable.
Hindenburg Systems Close Interview Christmas collection Folder Journalist Podcaster Scandinavian Interviewing Kid explaining Electro Voice 635A

Before long, you’ll find yourselves sitting shoulder to shoulder.
Your guest won’t notice the proximity, but they will notice how much better they sound - and feel - in the conversation.

Why It Matters


Moving in close isn’t just about sound quality.
It’s about creating an environment where your guest feels heard, valued, and at ease.
The answers they give will reflect that connection, making your story more personal and compelling.


Tomorrow, we’ll take it a step further and talk about how to direct the interview for clarity and impact.

🎁 Today’s Challenge: Practice sitting close to someone during a mock interview.
Start at a polite distance, then gradually close the gap.
Notice how the tone of the conversation changes as you move closer.

Hindenburg is made with podcasters in mind! You can use it without being a 'pro' and there are tons of great tutorials!

Ray Ortega , Podcast Producer

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