To make a successful interview for journalistic or research purposes, it is important to ask the right questions. There is also a need for the good will of the interviewee, who must tell the truth and expose their knowledge. Follow the advice in this tutorial divided into 2 parts to understand how to conduct or give an interview.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Ask the Questions
Step 1. Do a research on the person to be interviewed and on the topics of the interview
You need to have a good idea of what the subject will say.
Step 2. Record the interview on your mobile phone or with a small cassette recorder
But ask the interviewee for permission. If he allows it, you won't have to take too many notes and you can focus on the questions during the interview.
Step 3. Introduce yourself and explain who you are
Be polite. Even if you don't put it in writing, it will make who you need to interview feel comfortable with.
Step 4. Ask questions about the background to get to know the person and the role they hold
Talk about his education, hobbies, interests, and family. They may come in handy later.
- If it is a technical interview, you can send the questions to the person to be interviewed in advance.
- If you want to do a survey, do not send the questions to the interviewee. If he already knows them, he might be lying and not being spontaneous.
Step 5. Ask one question at a time
If you do too many at once, the interviewee will take over the reins of the conversation.
Step 6. Start with simple questions
You can start with questions that have monosyllabic answers, such as "yes" or "no". Put the person at ease for the interview.
Step 7. Then move on to more complex questions
If you want the subject to come up with a speech, ask questions in which they have to explain something or list the stages of a process.
Step 8. Ask more specific questions
Go deeper into a topic. If the interviewee seems to be annoyed, uncomfortable, happy or surprised, this is a good opportunity to do a more in-depth investigation.
For example: "What do you mean when you say …", "How did you achieve this goal?", "Why do you think it is important?", "Can you tell me more about …?"
Step 9. Make the summary
If the person gives you a long and complex answer, try to summarize: "So they are saying that … Is this a good summary?" This way you might get some further information.
It is essential to be in control of the interview and move the conversation according to your priorities, unless you want the interviewee to digress
Step 10. Ask questions about the interviewee's state of mind
If you want details of privacy or a reaction, ask, "What does this mean to her?", Or "What prompted her to do this?"
If the interviewee gets excited, give him some time to recover. There is no need to pat him on the back and reassure him, but give him some time to recover
Step 11. Request an additional meeting
You need to find a way to check what you have written, said or printed. Ask the person to sign a release if necessary.
Method 2 of 2: Answer the Questions
Step 1. Recognize the importance of a good print
A published interview can be risky, but it can also get you fame.
Step 2. Research any questions they might ask you
If you want to appear expert and competent, read newspapers, online articles and books on the subject before the interview. If you have to quote, make sure it's correct.
Step 3. Write down answers
Even if the answers you write will be different from those you will give during the interview, in this way you will be easier to explain the facts.
Step 4. Test with a relative, colleague or assistant
Ask him to ask you the questions as if it were a real interview. Try to give more answers, so that it seems natural and spontaneous.
Step 5. Carry out the interview in a neutral place, unless the journalist or researcher asks you to do it at your office or home
Remember that any information they can gather from the environment can be used to describe you.
Step 6. If you don't understand the question, ask for it to be repeated
Instead of pausing, ask for the question to be repeated or explained better.
Step 7. Be yourself
If you have done a little research and practice, you will have the answers mentally ready. During the interview, show your real personality and be professional.
Step 8. Be prepared for discussions
If you want, you can ask the reporter some questions too, for a sort of exchange. The journalist will have more fun and have a more positive idea about you.
Step 9. Don't be afraid to elaborate
If the reporter overlooks something important, you can say: "I would like to go back to talking about …", or "There is an important point we need to talk about".
Step 10. Stop talking if you feel like you're making confusing statements
If you think you are unclear, stop as soon as you can. You don't have to answer every question in an elaborate way.
Step 11. Include your full name, business, university, or other important information
Journalists (or researchers) don't always do research on the interviewee, so don't be afraid to give them basic information about you.
Step 12. Ask the reporter when and where the interview will appear
If you want, ask for a copy as well. Give him your email and phone number in case he needs to ask you more questions.
