Conducting face-to-face interviews can be a powerful way to add depth and personal insight to your writing projects. Whether you're a journalist, author, or researcher, in-person interviews allow for a level of detail and nuance that other forms of communication simply cannot match. However, many writers find the prospect of interviewing someone in person to be intimidating. With the right preparation and techniques, you can conduct effective and engaging interviews that will enrich your work. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to mastering face-to-face interviews, complete with tips, tools, and strategies to ensure your success.
Essential Tools for In-Person Interviews
Before diving into the interview, it's crucial to have the right tools at your disposal:
Digital Voice Recorder: While cassette recorders were once the norm, modern interviews are best captured using a digital voice recorder for clarity and ease of transfer. Ensure it's fully charged and has ample storage space.
Notebook and Pen: Always have a backup for note-taking in case of technical issues with your recorder.
Press Pass: If you have one, bring it along as it can lend credibility and professionalism.
Background Research: Familiarize yourself with your subject's history, work, and public presence. This will not only inform your questions but also demonstrate your interest and respect for their time.
Preparing for the Interview
Research and Setting
Know Your Subject: Conduct thorough research on the interviewee. Utilize online resources, press kits, and any available publications to gather information.
Schedule Appropriately: Aim for at least 30 minutes for the interview, but be flexible to the interviewee's schedule.
Location Matters: Propose a location where the interviewee will be comfortable, such as their home, office, or a quiet public space.
Dress Code and Professionalism
Dress Appropriately: Match your attire to the interview setting and maintain a professional appearance.
Crafting Questions
Avoid Obvious Questions: Don't waste time on information that's readily available. Focus on unique insights and confirmation of critical details.
Prepare a Question List: Have a list of topics and questions ready, but use them as a guide rather than a strict script.
Maintain Engagement: Keep eye contact and listen actively. Be ready to follow interesting tangents while keeping the interview on track.
Conducting the Interview
Using a Recorder and Notebook
Permission to Record: Always ask for consent before recording the interview.
Discreet Recording: Place the recorder unobtrusively and use it to maintain a natural conversation flow.
Note-Taking: Use your notebook for specific details like spellings and to jot down additional questions that arise.
Interview Dynamics
Flexibility: Adapt to the conversation and explore new topics as they emerge.
Understanding: If a response is unclear, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
Off the Record: Respect the interviewee's request for off-the-record comments and ensure the recorder is paused during these moments.
After the Interview
Label Recordings: Clearly label your recordings to avoid overwriting valuable content.
Archive: Keep recordings on file, especially for contentious interviews, to protect against claims of misquotation.
Capturing Images
Photographs: If images are needed, obtain consent and consider using a Model Release Form to avoid legal issues.
Relevant Imagery: Take photos in a context that complements the interview content.
Asking the Right Questions
Open-Ended Questions: Use questions that start with who, what, when, where, and how to elicit detailed responses.
Post-Interview Protocol
Timely Write-Up: Process and write up the interview as soon as possible while the details are fresh.
Sharing the Outcome: Offer to send the interviewee a copy of the published work as a courtesy.
By following these guidelines, you can conduct face-to-face interviews that are both professional and productive, providing valuable content for your readers. Remember, the key to a successful interview lies in preparation, respect for the interviewee, and the ability to adapt to the conversation's flow.
