Kirk Docker is one of Australia’s finest interviewers and storytellers.
Kirk is the co-creator and director of the ABC program You Can’t Ask That, now in its 7th season. The show has been awarded the Rose d’Or,
AACTA and Walkley awards and is the most successful format in ABC history, selling to 17 territories and broadcast in 9 different languages worldwide.
When it comes to the content he creates, no subject is off-topic. Kirk’s interviewees range from ex-politicians to ice users to sexual assault survivors. He has a deep curiosity, compassion and playfulness that elicits honesty from his participants, many of whom have never sat in front of a camera before. Through thousands of hours of open dialogue, what’s become clear to Kirk is that every human, no matter what they believe or how high their stature, shares a core value: the desire to be understood.
Through his show You Can’t Ask That, Kirk offers a window into the unheard stories of misunderstood and marginalised Australians. Each episode takes a group that lives with a label (Transgender, Suicide Attempt Survivors, Schizophrenia, etc.). Participants are courageous, as Kirk guides them through the often crudely honest questions submitted by the public. The show’s purpose is to help the audience move past the myths and fears associated with those labels and understand who these people truly are.
In 2009, Kirk landed a spot on the program Hungry Beast (ABC), under the wing of respected producer Andrew Denton. He then went on to create and produce shows Demolition Man (A&E) and Hello Stranger (ABC). Through his work, Kirk has interviewed thousands of people. His portrayal of these people is geared to reveal the universality of humanity, without apology or sensationalism. Through this experience, he’s honed a range of techniques that allow him to communicate effectively and empathetically with any subject.
Talking Points
Keynotes & 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.Keynotes & Workshops
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.
Video
How to ask better questions for better connections | Kirk Docker | TEDxPerth
What happens when we bring honesty, curiosity and empathy to our conversations? Can it lead to better and more meaningful relationships? Kirk Docker asks the questions that people are often too afraid to ask. He breaks down stereotypes and offers insight into the lives of people who are marginalised and misunderstood. He showcases this style of conversation in his role as interviewer, co-creator and director of the award-winning Australian television series “You Can’t Ask That”.Are you afraid of asking drug addicts why they use? You Can't Ask That with Kirk Docker |Mark Bouris
Kirk Docker – is a producer, documentary maker show creator and co-creator of one of the most successful Australian TV formats in history, You Can’t Ask That. He’s pulled the curtain on society's fringes and has shown us the truth of who we really are. The hit series is now in its 7th season and asks the questions you’re too scared to explore. The format has been sold across the globe and in 9 different languages.Kirk’s ability to connect and inspire on a very simple and human level is highly distinctive and valuable. He was able to design and deliver simple and learnable mechanisms for relationships ... keep reading PwC
McKinsey has partnered with Kirk in the delivery of leadership development programs where we needed to discover new territory, relative to the well-trodden leadership landscape that most senior executives know too well. Kirk’s talent is surfacing and exploring the wisdom of the people that surround us every day. He supports our client executives in developing skills that include but go beyond listening and curiosity, Kirk’s session works at the mindset level. He shifts beliefs on ‘how’ we go about solving our most complex business problems. Kirk is a total professional and he has the disposition of a true artist that is refreshing within strong corporate cultures.
Latest News
Neale Daniher: A Legacy That Will Outlast The Beast
Three Stories, One Expert: What Dr Zac Seidler's Week in the Media Tells Us About Men Right Now
How to Measure Event ROI: Why 72% of the Industry Says Outcome Measurement Is Now Essential
