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
Award-Winning Storyteller, Interviewer & Co-Creator of "You Can't Ask That"
Kirk Docker is renowned as one of Australia's finest interviewers and storytellers, and the co-creator and director of the widely acclaimed ABC program, "You Can't Ask That". The show, which has aired 65 episodes over seven seasons, has earned prestigious accolades including the Rose d'Or, AACTA, and Walkley awards, and stands as the most successful format in ABC's history – sold to 17 territories and broadcast in nine languages worldwide.
Kirk explores the full spectrum of human experience. From ex-politicians to individuals who have struggled with substance abuse, sexual assault survivors, and those living with mental health conditions, his interviewees cover topics many shy away from. With curiosity, compassion, and a playful approach, he encourages unfiltered honesty and insight from his participants – many of whom have never experienced the scrutiny of a camera before. Through thousands of hours of candid dialogue, Kirk has learned a fundamental truth: every person, regardless of background or status, shares a common desire – to be understood.
Through "You Can't Ask That", Kirk provides a platform for Australians whose experiences are often misunderstood and marginalized. Each episode focuses on a group defined by a specific label, such as transgender individuals, suicide attempt survivors, or people living with schizophrenia. Guided by Kirk, these brave participants answer candid, sometimes challenging questions from the public, giving audiences the chance to move beyond preconceived notions and unfounded fears and truly connect with the human stories behind the labels.
Kirk is also the creator and director of the acclaimed factual series “I Was Actually There”. The second season received two AACTA nominations, for Best Documentary/Factual Series and Best Director, and explored landmark events including the Black Saturday bushfires, September 11 in New York, the Whitlam Government dismissal, the Cronulla riots, and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Through the series, Kirk continues to amplify unheard and overlooked voices, allowing guests to speak for themselves and share personal perspectives on events that shaped a nation.
Kirk began his television career in 2009 on ABC’s "Hungry Beast" under esteemed producer Andrew Denton. He went on to create and produce shows including "Demolitan Man" on A&E, "Hello Stranger" on ABC, and, of course, "You Can't Ask That" on ABC. Over the years, he has interviewed thousands of people, honing a unique ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with individuals from all walks of life – always seeking to reveal our shared humanity without sensationalism.
Drawing on his extensive TV experience, Kirk helps audiences improve workplace and everyday dialogue, teaching participants how to create non-judgmental spaces, ask challenging questions with care, understand context and motives, and connect across differences. Using interactive techniques, live demonstrations, and audience participation, he provides repeatable tools to deepen understanding and spark meaningful conversation. Organisations that have integrated Kirk’s expertise include IKEA, McKinsey & Company, NetApp, PwC, Telstra, Griffith University, Healthscope, and the Sydney Writers’ Festival.