Our Top Tips for Conducting Great Interviews
Interviews are a great way to gather information, insights, and perspectives from people with expertise or experience in a particular topic. Whether you are conducting an interview for a video update, podcast, or article, there are several key steps you can follow to ensure a successful and informative interview.
Conducting a good interview involves several key steps:
Prepare: Before the interview, research the person you will be interviewing and the topic you will be discussing. This will help you come up with relevant and targeted questions. It's also important to set up the logistics of the interview, such as scheduling a time and place that works for both of you, and making sure you have the necessary equipment (e.g. microphone, camera).
Establish rapport: It's important to establish a good rapport with the person you are interviewing. This can help them feel more comfortable and open up more during the interview. You can do this by greeting them warmly, making small talk, and showing genuine interest in their perspective.
Ask open-ended questions: Avoid asking yes or no questions, as they often don't provide much information. Instead, ask open-ended questions that allow the person to share their thoughts and experiences in more detail.
Listen: Pay close attention to what the person is saying and ask follow-up questions if necessary. This will help you gather more in-depth and nuanced information.
Be respectful: Show respect for the person you are interviewing by being courteous and professional. Avoid interrupting or talking over them, and be mindful of your body language.
End the interview gracefully: When the interview is over, thank the person for their time and let them know if and when the interview will be shared. This will help establish trust and ensure a good relationship going forward.
By following these steps, you can conduct a good interview that gathers valuable information and insights, while also building trust and respect with the person you are interviewing.