Travels From New South Wales
Speaker Topics
Keynote and Workshops
Kirk unpacks the processes and techniques of the interview to help his audience communicate more productively in the workplace and everyday life. His sessions will make you consider the purpose of your dialogue and instil the ability to ask high-level questions that lead to revelations and new understandings. At the heart of Kirk’s sessions is the ability to walk away with a repeatable tool and process – a system for deconstructing the barriers for effective dialogue.
Kirk works in multiple modalities, using simple models, video clips and lots of audience interaction. He puts the audience in the shoes of a production team; plans and conducts live interviews in the room; facilitates in the moment; and gives the audience a chance to practice techniques via interviews with each other.
Through the lens of TV interviewing, Kirk draws upon his experience to cover topics such as:
– Creating a non-judgmental environment for open communication.
– How to help someone express themselves with authenticity.
– Asking the difficult questions.
– Understanding people’s contexts and motives.
– Looking past the stereotypes and personal bias.
– Balancing communicating with a plan and improvising in the moment.
– Interrogating versus understanding – how to ask questions with care.
– How to increase understanding between people of different ages, backgrounds and statuses.
Kirk Docker
Interviewer, TV producer and Co-creater of "You Can't Ask That"
Kirk Docker is renowned as one of Australia's most accomplished interviewers and skilled storytellers. He serves as the co-creator and director of the widely acclaimed ABC program, "You Can't Ask That," which is currently in its 7th season. This groundbreaking show has received prestigious accolades such as the Rose d'Or, AACTA, and Walkley awards, and it stands as the most successful format in ABC's history. It has garnered international recognition, being sold to 17 different territories and broadcast in nine languages across the globe.
When it comes to the content Kirk produces, he fearlessly tackles a broad spectrum of subjects. His interviewees span a diverse range, from former politicians to individuals who have struggled with substance abuse to survivors of sexual assault. Kirk possesses a profound sense of inquisitiveness, compassion, and a playful approach that encourages unfiltered honesty from his subjects, many of whom have never experienced the scrutiny of a camera before. Over countless hours of candid conversations, Kirk has come to a resounding realization: every human being, regardless of their beliefs or social standing, shares a fundamental yearning - the desire to be understood.
Kirk Docker's show, "You Can't Ask That," provides a unique perspective on the untold experiences of Australians who are often misunderstood and marginalized. Each episode delves into the lives of individuals defined by a specific label, such as Transgender individuals, Suicide Attempt Survivors, or those living with Schizophrenia. Kirk skillfully leads these brave participants through candidly frank questions from the public. The show's ultimate mission is to help the audience transcend preconceived notions and unfounded fears associated with these labels, allowing them to authentically connect with and comprehend the true essence of these individuals.
In 2009, Kirk secured a role on the television program "Hungry Beast" on ABC, guided by the esteemed producer Andrew Denton. Subsequently, he took the initiative to create and produce various shows, including "Demolitan Man" on A&E, "Hello Stranger" on ABC, and "You Can't Ask That" on ABC.
Throughout his career, Kirk has engaged in interviews with a multitude of individuals, numbering in the thousands. His approach to portraying these individuals is centered on revealing the shared humanity among them, free from any sensationalism or apology. Over the course of these experiences, he has developed a repertoire of techniques that enable him to effectively and empathetically communicate with individuals from all walks of life.