How to conduct an interview

Before the interview

1. Learn about the person you will be interviewing so that you can prepare appropriate questions
2. Prepare questions in advance
   • Avoid vague questions
   • Avoid leading questions
   • Focus on neutral questions

Pre-interview checklist

• Have I researched my interviewee’s background and accomplishments?
• Do I have a written set of questions?
• Can the questions be answered within a reasonable time frame?
• Are my questions relevant to the purpose of my speech?
• Are my questions posed in a well-thought-out sequence?
• Are my questions free of bias or hostile intent?
• Are controversial questions reserved until the end of the interview?
• Have I obtained advance permission to record the interview?
• Do I have a working writing implement and ample notepaper, or functioning laptop or tablet?
• Have I made certain that any recording equipment I plan to use is in working order?

During the interview

1. Establish a spirit of collaboration at the start
   • Acknowledge the interviewee and express respect for his or her expertise
   • Briefly summarize your topic and informational needs
   • State a (reasonable) goal—what you would like to accomplish in the interview—and reach agreement on it
   • Establish a time limit for the interview and stick to it
2. Use active listening strategies
3. End the interview by rechecking and confirming
   • Confirm you have covered all the topics
   • Briefly offer a positive summary of important things you learned in the interview
   • Offer to send the interviewee the results of the interview