Mentor Text Analysis — Said Babaev

The video interview is the mentor text that hooks its audience with an interesting opening because to begin with, its interviewer introduces the guest with an anticipatory eagerness and credibility. Guest references to studies, professional experience and real-world example are incorporated with research. This is another key feature is that the guest shares personal anecdotes and tell relatable stories to make points, making the content a lot more engaging, and memorable. The graphics are used efficiently by the video using close ups of the guest and interviewer alternating in frame and minimal text on screen to highlight important points. A clear voice over and balanced background music are also part of the picture because they add to that professional tone without losing the interest of the audience. It breaks down the structure of the interview into segmented themes with clear introduction, themed questions and answers and a round up of the main takeaways. The video is long enough to give detailed insight but not long enough to lose the audience, so, around 20 minutes would be perfect. It’s also clear, by the thoughtful pacing, formal language, and questions focused on the interview’s subject, that the primary audience is professionals or students (of the subject) interested in the interview’s subject. Finally, video concludes with a summary and action advice to tie everything up in a sense of purpose. It also informs and inspires viewers, by presenting the guest’s hardwon expertise and down to earth insights.

For my project, I will follow the pattern of thematic segments (personal storytelling), and clear visual–auditory cues to generate an entertaining and informed video. However, I will avoid sounding stiff on the overly formal and employ a more conversation form to connect better with more people.