Four Ways to Conduct a Successful Interview
I’ll admit it—I’ve had therapy. More than once. I mean, I am a writer, and dealing with inner psychoses is just part of the creative experience, right? But while my reasons for therapy had nothing to do with my writing, the experience was beneficial to my craft in a way I never expected. My therapist questioned me, listened to me, and responded to me in order to compel me to bring out more than just the facts of my issues. Through his approach, the details of my story emerged, laced with my cogent insights and genuine emotions. Since then, I’ve used what I learned from his methodology time and again as I’ve interviewed my clients for their memoirs, inspirational or self-help non-fiction, and especially as I ghostwrite books and articles.
Here are my therapeutically-informed four ways to conduct a successful interview. Use as directed.
1. Record it digitally
My therapist not only took written notes during our sessions, he also recorded our conversations. He explained that he found it unreliable to rely on his notes alone, copious as they were, and that the recording ensured that he accurately assessed my comments and, therefore, correctly dispensed his advice. This echoed what I’d learned in radio. My broadcast communications work early in my career mandated recorded interviews. Recording not only assured accuracy, but the use of the recorder also improved my ability to listen as I was able to focus intently on what was being said to me versus being distracted by my note taking. When you interview another person for any of your writing assignments, use a digital recording device.
2. Break the ice
I was nervous when I went in for my first therapy appointment. I’d somehow imagined myself being interrogated, bright light shining in my eyes. So I was pleasantly surprised when my therapist spent the first fifteen minutes asking innocuous questions that made me comfortable before asking tougher queries. Most people love talking about themselves. At the start of each interview, even those with clients that I meet with on a weekly basis, I strive to set them at ease with questions that break the ice and start the dialogue. It’s then easier for them to respond when I start asking them to describe scenes about their childhood abuse or crippling addiction. Start each of your interviews with a few minutes of genuine “get to know you” banter.
3. Reveal yourself
In the same way, a little self-deprecating humor doesn’t hurt. My therapist often coaxed a laugh or two from me by sharing something from his life that showed he was, well, less than perfect. It was nice to know he didn’t have it all together, either. When I use the same method in my interview sessions, my clients loosen up, relax, and even seem a bit more secure with me. That’s vital in order to then delve into those deeper issues that are more difficult to discuss. Be free to reveal a little something funny or off-the-wall about yourself in the course of your interviews.
4. Listen well
Active listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding. Often when people talk to each other, they don’t listen attentively. They are frequently distracted, half listening, or thinking about what they will say next. When I was with my therapist, I could tell he was fully listening to my every word. It gave me a sense of value and confidence—what I said mattered to him. As an interviewer, it’s easy to be tempted to think ahead to my next question or to even start writing the article or next section of the book in my head. Pay attention by active listening. You’ll find that people will open up more to you as you interview them.
Finally, take heed of this added tip from Jim Lehrer, journalist, novelist, and former news anchor for the PBS NewsHour Jim Lehrer: “There’s only one interview technique that matters. Do your homework so you can listen to the answers and react to them and ask follow-ups…Prepare.” Like a good therapist, know your client, know your subject, and then do what you do best. Use these successful interview methods to get great comments, and then write a compelling story that will captivate your readers and give them a deeper connection with your client and content.
I want to hear from you!
In honor of being a bit self-deprecating, what was your worst experience as an interviewer? Why?