Reddit AMA<\/a> (Ask Me Anything) on the platform\u2019s trivia subreddit.<\/p>\nIn one comment, a user complimented the 51-year-old for the way he manages to make \u201ceven the most mundane, awkward contestant bio story charming and relatable.\u201d As a result of him employing his trademark humor and wit, the user pointed out, the contestants seem to be put more at ease.<\/p>\n
However, when asked for techniques for approaching such interactions and making them look easy, Jennings dropped the bombshell that he finds the whole thing to be \u201ccringe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGonna confess that I never liked the interviews as a viewer,\u201d he explained. \u201cToo cringe too often! We didn\u2019t have DVR so I couldn\u2019t skip them as a kid. Had to go to the kitchen to get a pop instead.\u201d<\/p>\n
Though, as he\u2019s now a former contestant, Jennings says he now has a great feeling of warmth for the contestant interviews.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not the players\u2019 fault we stop the game and make them chat about nothing!\u201d he reasoned. \u201cThey are not experienced talk show guests! So I try to make that part of the show as smooth as I possibly can, for viewers like me who also don\u2019t like it.\u201d<\/p>\n
As far as tips to apply his methods into real-life conversations, Jennings said that he doesn\u2019t believe it boils down to social IQ.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m just trying to elicit their story in an economical way, and then get out! That\u2019s the opposite of good conversation!\u201d he continued. \u201cBut I do genuinely listen, I try what I think is my most encouraging smile, and I like a little follow-up question that\u2019s not just \u2018OK! Love that for you! Next!’\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that the problem was that, as a host, you have to avoid asking a follow-up question that might launch the contestant into another long monologue, \u201cbecause then the producers and people who have to edit the show get mad at me.\u201d<\/p>\n