How to Conduct an In-Person Interview

Whether you’re interviewing a source for an article you’re writing or a relative for a family history, it’s important to be able to effectively elicit information from a subject. Below are some simple steps to help you conduct great interviews.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Notebook
• Pen/pencil
• Small recorder

1. Call ahead. About a half-hour before you’re supposed to meet, call your subject to make sure she’s still available and to find out if she’s running late. It also serves as a reminder in case she’s forgotten about the appointment.

2. Come prepared. Make sure you have paper or preferably a notebook and your own pen or pencil. Also think about the questions you want to ask in advance and jot down some notes to yourself. That way, you won’t forget something important.

3. Bring a small recorder. It interrupts your subject’s flow of conversation if you have to ask him to slow down so you can catch up with your writing.

4. Ask open-ended questions. Rather than yes-or-no questions, ask questions that start with “Tell me about…” or “Explain how you…” so that your interviewee can expound on the answer.

5. Don’t overstay your welcome. If you’ve told your subject to set aside a certain amount of time for the interview, stick to it. If you’ve left it open ended, look for clues—such as shifting in his seat or glancing at the clock—that mean your subject is ready for the interview to be over.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your subject if you can call her later if you have a question. Many times as you’re writing the story or article, a follow-up question will occur to you.
• Even if you record your conversation, make sure you also take notes manually. When you need it most, Murphy’s Law says that the recorder will play back empty!