As a writer, sooner or later you are going to need to interview a subject. if you write non-fiction an interview will be a crucial part of your article, even if the interview is to gain a short quote or two. For a novelist, interviews are needed as part of the research process to gain knowledge about subjects that you want to include in your book but have NFI about the subject.
Some interviews by nature are more formal, and some may be as casual as a over the fence chat with a neighbor. One thing you can say for certain is that you better have a clue about which kind of interview it’s going to be before you get there.
For some folks, interviewing is second nature. They are naturally personable and comfortable speaking to strangers. For others, this may be the most terrifying aspect of being a writer. This article is primarily for you folks that lock up at the thought of interviewing a subject.
Let’s de-mystify a few things first.
- Whoever you are interviewing is a person – just like you. Their stature or celeb status should not be a cause for alarm on your part. Keep things in perspective.
- If you do your homework, everything will be fine.
- Unless you are on live TV, don’t worry about boo-boos too much. You can always “fix it in the mix”
Now that we have those basic out of the way, here ae a few tips to help you master the art of the interview:
- There is no substitute for preparation. Do your research about the subject. I guarantee that if you don’t do this you will make a fool of yourself some way. I remember when some knucklehead journalist interviewed Sting about his Nothing Like the Sun album. There is a track called “An Englishman in New York” and the CD notes clearly say who this song was written about. The journalist asks Sting about the autobiographical nature of the song. Idiot. I’m sorry but there’s no excuse for that.
- Map out your questions beforehand. Duh. Did you think you would just walk in and start talking about the weather? Think of questions that the intended market for your article would want to know. Remember, this is not about you, it’s about your audience. Also, the rule of thumb is to know the answers to 60% of your questions before you ask them.
- Do not rely on your memory or notes. Take a digital recorder with you. Most folks who are going to be interviewed will not balk at this. If anyone is hesitant, let them know you just want to maintain the accuracy of the statements and would hate to mis-quote them in some way. And uless you’ve got some sort of Evil Kneival complex, do not rely solely on the recorder. Technology fails! Take notes!
- A quiet location is best for an interview, on neutral ground if possible or wherever your subject would be the most comfortable. Remember that you want them to open up to you. Busy coffee shops and subway stations are not the best choices here, folks.
- During the interview you are personable and attentive. Don’t get so focused on taking notes that you ignore what the subject is saying.
- When it’s time to wrap things up, polite thank yous are in order. Don’t dawdle and linger. Let them know that you could send them what you intend to submit for the article so that they may proof for accuracy. This is a debatable point and some folks do not like to do this. It may be a style thing and it may be a publisher thing as well. Best to check with the editor and see if they have a problem with this policy.
- Write the interview as soon as possible. It needs to be fresh in your mind and it will flow much better than if you wait a month.
Interviewing subjects need not be a bad or scary thing. Remember to do your research, relax and try to have fun with it if appropriate.
Do you have any nightmare interview stories? How about Pulitzer quality interviews – and if so, what do you think made it such a great interview?
Actually, the first person I was SUPPOSED to interview, I didn’t end up interviewing. I chickened out! I missed out on an amazing and interesting source and I learned that I have to dig deep and find some boldness and confidence. I’d rather stay in the corner of a room all cozy with my laptop; unfortunately, we writers must face “real life” if we want to keep climbing, eh?
Another fantabulous post – I’m off to Digg it!
*smiles*
Michele
Michele,
I know the feeling. I dreaded doing the interview for a magazine article recently – and the person I was interviewing was a neighbor I KNEW!
Yikes…
George
Ouch! I think we’re just so used to being able to plan out and think about what we’re going to say in an email or comment box, that we freeze up and/or get nervous when we’re faced with an actual human – whether it’s on the phone or in person. In those situations we can’t delete and edit what we say. Eek!
These are great tips that can also be applied to job interviews! I often interview new hires for my company, and the applicants that stand out are the ones that have prepared well for the interview, and not necessarily the ones who are most qualified on paper. Those who have researched the industry and our company, who are prepared with questions for me, and who interact to make it a conversation rather than an interrogation show that they are genuinely interested in the position and willing to do what it takes to succeed. Those applicants always get the thumbs up from me.
Hi Evan,
Wow that’s really true, isn’t it. Now that you mentioned it I can see how these do relate. When I was in a position to hire folks, I couldn’t believe how many were ill prepared.
George
To build on Evan’s statement, do you have any tips on how to draw out an unprepared or taciturn interview subject?
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Hi Tracy,
There are some things you can do to help in a situation like this:
First, turn on the charm to make them feel as comfortable as possible. If they’re having difficulty, turn off the recorder and offer to just chat for a bit. Build a little rapport and then start again.
Ask them if maybe a better time would work. Show a little humanity and flexibility and sometimes they will come around.
If you’ve done your research, you should have a pretty good idea about who they are and what they are about. Ignore your formal questions for a bit and start in wide circles chatting with them about things that they may be interested in. Once the discussion starts, it will be easier to bring them around to the intended topic.
Ok, audience, what techniques do you use in these situations?
George
Preparation is a super important part. Glad you shared that. As I get to be on the interviewee side a lot more often lately, I can tell the difference between a question lobber and someone who’s done some prep.
Thanks for this, George.
Hi Chris.
Thanks for stopping by. Nice to hear from someone who has been on the other side once or twice
.
In a lot of ways, it’s like preparing for a public speaking engagement. If you’re prepared and practiced, you come across as more professional and more likely to garner the respect from the audience – which goes a long way.
Cheers
George
Preparation is everything. It goes a long way in relieving stress from both parties. The same practices can be used in public speaking.
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Hi Dee,
Thanks for coming by. Hope your new year is a fine one!
George
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