Interviews are one of the most important research tools available to feature writers as well as an important primary research option for many kinds of writing situations. Here are some tips to help you conduct a successful interview.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

1. Ask yourself why you want to interview this person. Is it to get background information? Is that person your main focus, or is that person someone you are interviewing in reaction to another interview? If so, keep your focus in mind so you can ask questions geared toward your topic.

2. Decide where you want to conduct the interview.

3. Decide how best to record the interview. Will you use a notebook or a recorder? Will you take notes, or will someone else do it for you?

4. Write a list of the questions you want to ask.

5. Establish basic background facts about the person: age, nationality, education, occupation, job title, credentials, achievements, honors, etc.

6. Review your notes from other interviews and your research in general so you can cross-reference facts, inform your conversation, elicit responses to what others have said about the same set of facts, and set the stage for a dialogue among your sources.

7. Read what’s already been written about your subject and what he or she has already said in print.

CONDUCTING THE INTERVIEW

1. Begin the interview with an open mind; be prepared to listen.

2. Ease into the interview. Break the ice. Chat. Warm up.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask probing questions that may elicit strong emotional responses from your subject, but be sensitive about what you ask and how you ask it.

4. Pay attention to what your subject is saying. LISTEN!

5. Pay attention to the physical surroundings, the tone of the conversation, body language, and other cues.

6. If you missed something the person said, if he/she spoke too fast for you to write it down, or if you’re not sure you heard what you think you heard, ask him/her to say it again.

7. After you’ve asked all your questions, ask the person what he/she would like to say that you haven’t asked.

8. Before you leave, make sure you know how to reach the person for a follow-up interview.

Remember! When composing your piece, you might consider if your assignment requires citation (MLA, APA, etc.).