How to Conduct a Great Interview

Interviews, whether for a high school or college class or a newsletter article lets your readers to get personal insight into people and places. They are also a great way for you to learn more about the people you share this world with.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Let the person you are going to interview know what topics you plan to cover, what the information will be used for, and how much time you will have available.
2. Ask for background materials that will help you prepare pertinent and interesting questions.
3. If you own or have access to a printer or scanner, ask the person you will be interviewing if they would mind providing a small photograph to publish along with the interview.
4. Arrive early to get comfortable and have any tools you need out and ready. This is a time to talk informally before you start taking notes and to break the ice. reconfirm the time limit, what you'll be covering, and any topics that are to be avoided.
5. Focus strictly on the questions and answers to those questions. If the conversation begins wander deflect the conversation back again by restating the original question.
6. Get the correct title and spelling for names and places. Ask them to spell out any acronyms.
7. If you reach a point you can't keep up ask the person you are interviewing to pause for a moment. Don't hesitate or be afraid to ask them to explain a point in more detail or to repeat a name.
8. Following the interview thank the person for their time and let them know when you hope to have a rough draft available for the two of you to look over. This increases their comfort level in a time where anything can end up on you tube or the television news
9. Write up your notes immediately. This helps ensure that good quotes and important details will not fade or lose their impact in your mind.
10. Send the person you interviewed a complimentary copy the newsletter, report or other document. This conveys your respect and appreciation for the time they set aside to speak to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Make every word count
• Use active verbs when writing up your notes
• Avoid using too many flowery adjectives.
• Look for repetitive material within your rough draft and delete the extra words.
• Always remember to ask the person you are interviewing about any subject they may want to avoid and make a note of them.
• Always ask the person being interviewed if they would like you to avoid using their age or date of birth if the interview has a historic perspective.