Interviewing Basics Help You Focus on Content Author: Dayla Goldberger

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Interviewing Basics Help You Focus on
ContentAuthor Dayla Goldberger

• April Falahee

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The Importance of Interviewing

• Interviews with subject-matter experts can often
  shatter your original perceptions of that subject
  by supplying up to date information as well as
  new material.
• Interviews should be conducted towards the end of
  the project because the interviewer is more
  knowledgeable about the subject and can ask more
  in-depth questions.

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The Interviewing Process

• Divided into 3 stages
• Setting up the interview
• Planning the interview
• Conducting the interview

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Setting up the Interview

• The hardest obstacle in this phase is time
• Most interviews will need 2 hours
• Be honest with the interviewee about subject
  matter and whether or not the interview will be
  published

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Planning the Interview-Be Prepared

• Research the subject matter- know the subjects
  unique terminology in order to avoid embarrassing
  or time-wasting questions.
• Anticipate the direction the interview will take-
  preparing questions and anticipating possible
  answers will help you gain better control.
• Be prepared for mishaps- EX Extra set of
  batteries for tape recorder, extra pen, pen and
  paper in case your laptop wont work.

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During the Interview

• Make the interviewee feel comfortable.
• Take the lead in focusing the interview-guide the
  conversation along specific and relevant paths.
• Be a good listener-encourage the interviewee to
  talk, adjust your language to theirs.
• Know when to ask open-ended and leading
  questions-yes or no questions should be avoided.

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During the Interview..Cont

• Learn how to read and use body language- Try to
  gauge the way the interviewee is feeling by
  observing positive and negative body language.
  Leaning back in a chair with arms resting
  comfortably may indicate a willingness to share
  information. Arms folded across the chest,
  however, reflects tension. Mirroring positive
  interview at ease. Never mirror negative body
  language.
• Use silence to your advantage- Do not try to fill
  silence with meaningless conversation, wait for
  the interviewee to speak first.

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Conclusion

• As a research method, interviewing
  subject-matter experts can enhance a project and
  inject new ideas. Making the most of an
  interview, however, takes practice. By
  internalizing basic interviewing skills, you will
  be free to focus on the content of your interview
  rather than on the process.
• (Quote from Text)