An interview can transform a standard article into a compelling narrative, offering readers a direct connection to the heart of a story. The exchange between a journalist and their subject provides the quotes, anecdotes, and unique perspectives that bring a topic to life. Developing the ability to conduct a meaningful interview is a process of learning and refining specific techniques.
Research Your Subject and Topic
The foundation of a successful interview is built long before the first question is asked. Thorough preparation begins with deep research into both the person you will be speaking with and the subject matter at hand. This involves a comprehensive review of the interviewee’s professional background, their major accomplishments, and any previous articles or interviews they have been featured in. Examining past interviews is particularly useful for avoiding redundant questions and identifying fresh angles to explore.
This initial phase of information gathering extends to the broader context of the article. Familiarize yourself with the interviewee’s organization, their industry, and any current events or trends that are relevant to the conversation. Searching for your subject on professional networking sites and social media can provide a sense of their public persona and how they communicate. This groundwork not only boosts your confidence but also demonstrates respect for the interviewee’s time, paving the way for a more insightful discussion.
Craft Effective Interview Questions
The most effective questions are open-ended, meaning they cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” These questions begin with words like “how,” “why,” or phrases such as “tell me about,” prompting the subject to provide detailed, thoughtful responses. For example, instead of asking, “Did you enjoy the project?” you might ask, “What was the most challenging aspect of that project for you?”
Conversely, closed-ended questions, which seek specific, factual answers, have their place. They are useful for confirming details like dates, titles, or statistics. A common strategy is to use a closed-ended question to establish a fact and then immediately follow it with an open-ended question to explore the context behind it. This combination creates a natural flow and ensures you gather both precise data and richer, narrative-driven content.
A useful structure for organizing your inquiries is the question funnel, which starts with broad, general questions before gradually narrowing down to more specific topics. This approach helps build rapport and makes the interviewee comfortable before delving into more complex or sensitive areas. It is also important to avoid compound, or “double-barreled,” questions that ask about two different things at once, as they can be confusing and lead to incomplete answers.
To illustrate, consider these examples:
- Bad: Did you start your company because you saw a gap in the market? (This is a closed-ended, leading question.)
- Good: What were the specific circumstances that led you to found your company? (This is open-ended and neutral.)
- Bad: Don’t you think the new policy is a bad idea? (This is a leading question that signals your own opinion.)
- Good: What are your thoughts on the potential impacts of the new policy? (This is neutral and invites a nuanced response.)
Manage Interview Logistics
The format of the conversation—whether in-person, via video call, or over the phone—is a primary consideration. In-person interviews often foster a richer dialogue, allowing you to observe body language and build a stronger rapport. Video calls are a convenient alternative, while phone calls, though lacking visual cues, can be efficient for gathering specific information.
Once a format is chosen, scheduling requires clear and professional communication. Propose a few specific times and be flexible. After a date and time are agreed upon, send a confirmation that includes all necessary details, such as the location address or the video conference link, and the expected duration of the interview.
Test your recording device, whether it’s a digital recorder, a phone app, or video conferencing software, to ensure it functions correctly. If conducting the interview remotely, check your microphone and internet connection beforehand. It is also a standard professional practice to obtain explicit consent from the interviewee to record the conversation before you officially begin.
Conduct the Interview
The first few minutes are an opportunity to build rapport; starting with some light, casual conversation can help ease the subject into the discussion. Your primary role during the interview is not just to ask questions but to listen actively. This means giving the interviewee your full attention, processing what they are saying, and demonstrating engagement through non-verbal cues like nodding.
Active listening is what enables you to ask relevant follow-up questions that weren’t on your original list. When a subject says something particularly interesting or unexpected, a simple “Can you tell me more about that?” or “How did that come about?” can lead to the most valuable insights of the entire conversation.
Managing the flow of the conversation is another part of the process. While it’s important to keep the discussion on track to cover your main objectives, a rigid adherence to your question list can stifle a natural exchange. If an interviewee is quiet or reserved, you may need to use more open-ended questions to draw them out. If they tend to ramble, you may need to politely redirect the conversation back to your core topics. Gracefully ending the interview on time is also a mark of professionalism. A simple closing, such as asking if there’s anything important you forgot to ask, can be an effective way to wrap up.
Follow Up After the Interview
A series of post-interview actions helps maintain a professional relationship and ensures the accuracy of your article. The first step is to send a prompt thank-you note or email to the subject within 24 hours, expressing gratitude for their time and insight. This simple gesture is a professional courtesy that leaves a positive impression.
Next, you will need to transcribe the interview. This can be done manually or with the help of transcription software, but having a written record of the conversation is useful for pulling accurate quotes. As you work with the material, you may find there are key details that need to be verified. Reaching out to the subject to fact-check specific points or clarify an ambiguous quote is a responsible practice that upholds the integrity of your work.
Once the article is complete and published, it is a professional courtesy to share the link with your interviewee. This not only keeps them informed but also closes the loop on the process, showing respect for their contribution to your story.