Patrick Coffin on Q and A

DSJJ · #1 Nov 6, '11, 8:13 am

First, let me start by saying I absolutely love Catholic Answers live. I also love Patrick Coffin. Very smart individual and likeable. I usually only listen to Q and A days unless a subject matter catches my attention. Does it bug anybody else or has anyone else noticed that Patrick Coffin interupts almost every single caller. I know he has to keep the show going and to try to get in as many callers as possible but it just seems odd.

Jeffe · #2 Nov 6, '11, 8:42 am

If you listen to almost any radio show that's how it goes. I wouldn't look at it as being rude, rather an attempt to get to as many callers as possible.

Cyclophile · #3 Nov 6, '11, 8:46 am

What Jeffe said...

Yea, for formatting purposes, I imagine that he needs to interrupt and interject.. otherwise the caller would run on and on and the show would be derailed.

I listen to a lot of talk radio via podcasting and he's not the only one.

Fidelis · #4 Nov 8, '11, 5:47 am

It's unfortunate he has to do so, but it's also unfortunate that some (even many) people cannot seem to ask a direct question without a long, often irrelevant lead up. It's also annoying when people call pretending to ask a question, when all they want to do is deliver a long rant. And then there's those who want to keep asking more questions. At some point, somebody has to be the adult in the room.

dje101 · #5 Nov 8, '11, 9:53 am

I've noticed it too and for a while it kind of bothered me. Then I tried to look at it from his perspective. He is the host of a show that is based on the callers and about answering people's questions. So yes, he is trying to get as many callers in as possible. But I've also noticed that he interrupts people when they are rambling on for a while and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. I think he is very patient, but needs to take control of the situation when people start to ramble and give information that doesn't need to be given. Like when someone calls up and says "hi, how are you, great show, you guys are awesome and I listen as often as possible when I'm on my trucking routes thought the lower 48. So I was talking with a buddy.......blah blah blah". How about we get on and just ask the question, like "hi, my question is what is the communion of the saints?" I think by this point Patrick knows that it's an awesome show. But that's just my own opinion. God bless.

jpjd · #6 Nov 8, '11, 10:11 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fidelis

It's unfortunate he has to do so, but it's also unfortunate that some (even many) people cannot seem to ask a direct question without a long, often irrelevant lead up.

I agree!

So many of callers on any call-in program, not just Patrick Coffin's, are not able to articulate their problem succinctly. I listen to Dr. Ray's program pretty frequently, and he often has to interrupt a long, detailed, discourse and say, "What's your question?" And the person will say, "Well, my question is, you see, my daughter is going through a rough time and she blah blah blah..." and goes on for several more sentences. And THEN finally gets to the question.

The hosts of these programs are a lot more patient than I am!

Mrs_V · #7 Nov 8, '11, 11:23 am

I find myself so annoyed with a callers drawn out lead in at times that I have to switch the show off for a min or so just to get past it. My own patience issue I think, but I am thankful for when a host jumps in with "What's you're question?", and Patrick in particular is always very gracious about it.

Luigi Daniele · #8 Nov 8, '11, 12:57 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrs_V

I find myself so annoyed with a callers drawn out lead in at times that I have to switch the show off for a min or so just to get past it. My own patience issue I think, but I am thankful for when a host jumps in with "What's you're question?", and Patrick in particular is always very gracious about it.

Quote.

Drives me nuts. Patrick at times has to be a Saint, IMO

Love the show, though

greenpatrick125 · #9 Nov 17, '11, 4:56 pm

If he doesn’t do it, then people will keep talking. People love to give lots of details, but please, keep it short and relevant.

This is a Q & A show, not a Q, Ramble on & A show.

havana1 · #10 Nov 17, '11, 5:12 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSJJ

First, let me start by saying I absolutely love Catholic Answers live. I also love Patrick Coffin. Very smart individual and likeable. I usually only listen to Q and A days unless a subject matter catches my attention. Does it bug anybody else or has anyone else noticed that Patrick Coffin interupts almost every single caller. I know he has to keep the show going and to try to get in as many callers as possible but it just seems odd.

Actually, what I find frustrating is the amount of "small talk" that opens up each hour: literally 5-10 minutes in some cases. Every time Sharon Lee Giganti's on, we have to hear her story over and over again. Every time Tim Staples is on, we have to his hear *his* story. And so on. Logic would dictate that, since CA is an apostolate that sells books (and speaking gigs) by all their apologists, the intro's could be abbreviated with a plug for the book - "and if you'd like to learn more about that, check out this book-!," and then the intro cut be shortened to only 1-2 minutes and there'd be room for more callers. I just don't understand the need for "Regis & Kathi Lee"-type small talk eating up so much of the hour.

Elizabeth502 · #11 Nov 17, '11, 8:08 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by havana1

Actually, what I find frustrating is the amount of "small talk" that opens up each hour: literally 5-10 minutes in some cases. Every time Sharon Lee Giganti's on, we have to hear her story over and over again. Every time Tim Staples is on, we have to his hear *his* story. And so on. Logic would dictate that, since CA is an apostolate that sells books (and speaking gigs) by all their apologists, the intro's could be abbreviated with a plug for the book - "and if you'd like to learn more about that, check out this book-!," and then the intro cut be shortened to only 1-2 minutes and there'd be room for more callers. I just don't understand the need for "Regis & Kathi Lee"-type small talk eating up so much of the hour.

I completely agree and find it equally annoying.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fidelis

It's unfortunate he has to do so [interrupt], but it's also unfortunate that some (even many) people cannot seem to ask a direct question without a long, often irrelevant lead up. It's also annoying when people call pretending to ask a question, when all they want to do is deliver a long rant. And then there's those who want to keep asking more questions. At some point, somebody has to be the adult in the room.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpjd

So many of callers on any call-in program, not just Patrick Coffin's, are not able to articulate their problem succinctly. ......"Well, my question is, you see, my daughter is going through a rough time and she blah blah blah..." and goes on for several more sentences. And THEN finally gets to the question.

If then. (Sometimes not!)

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpjd

The hosts of these programs are a lot more patient than I am!

Ditto. When/if I can't articulate a thought, I don't call in to a talk show! For example, a secular show: If I have only a vague idea of what I want to say or ask, I don't waste people's time! (Or if all I can articulate are how I spent my morning, how often I listen to them, what my private opinion is of them, etc.) Oy vay! I'm not patient enough for that!

**Patrick Coffin** · #12 Nov 18, '11, 11:13 am

Thanks for the critical feedback, all -- especially the comments that made me wince (usually these contain an uncomfortably accurate dollop of truth). Please continue to pray for me and the production team. The show is on a perpetual learning curve and always will be as long as sinners are at the helm.

DSJJ · #13 Nov 19, '11, 8:22 am

Patrick, just remember I think your great and the show is great. My original thought was that to let the people get their explanation out a little longer. I know and love my faith pretty good and it's all because of Catholic Answers Live.

ChrisRedfield47 · #14 Nov 19, '11, 12:21 pm

People talk to much at times, interruption is needed a lot. Plus the more callers the better.

Elizabeth502 · #15 Nov 19, '11, 1:14 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisRedfield47

People talk to much at times, interruption is needed a lot. Plus the more callers the better.

Patrick, just a constructive suggestion, since you've been so open about reading this thread....

I don't know what the station's or show's instructions are to call-screeners; they may be perfectly adequate for the task. But I do know that for secular call-in shows, often the call-screener (who is usually also the producer) is instructed to "set up" or prep the caller for the host and guest, by warning them in advance:

~not to be chit-chatty (Caller: "how are you guys today?" Host: "Yeah, I'm fine, great." Caller: "And the guest?" Guest: "Yeah, I'm doing great, too, and how are you?" Caller: "Well, not too bad, I could be better, though, but I'm so glad to be able to talk to you today ...."

)

~to be ready with their question or comment on topic, directed to host or guest

~to be as direct and succinct (efficient) as possible

Further, often the producers of secular shows get more information -- very briefly -- on the direction of the question or comment. The caller will reveal that he or she called to register agreement with homeschooling as an option; the producer will ask one or two questions to assess the value of that call: 'Are you a homeschooler yourself?' 'Yes, for my own family and I have done it for the families of others.'

In secular shows, callers who are able to articulate succinctly, in the screening process, their value to the topic being discussed, are prioritized.

I don't know if CAL considers such a suggestion valuable, not valuable, or already in place!

Regarding Point #1 (the chit-chatty effect on the clock), I know that no amiable radio host such as yourself would like to come across as cold, but the problem with some of the extended chit-chat with callers is that for a caller to have lots of openings to respond with how they're feeling today -- or reactions to how others "feel," sometimes extends the chit-chat and semi-stream-of-consciousness (if you know what I mean

), and thus reduces the opportunity for actual content.

Feel free to criticize these suggestions and tell me I'm all wet.