Mastering the Art of Interviewing: Preparation and Conduct

When it comes to feature writing, one of the most important skills you can develop is the art of interviewing. Whether you’re talking to a celebrity, an expert in their field, or an ordinary person with an extraordinary story, the way you approach the interview can make all the difference in the quality of your final piece. Successful interviews don’t just happen by chance; they require careful preparation, a strong rapport with your interviewee, and a mindful approach during the actual conversation. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to prepare for an interview, conduct it effectively, and make those first few minutes count. These elements are the building blocks of a compelling, engaging feature story.

Preparing for the interview: research and planning 🔗

The foundation of any great interview lies in preparation. You can’t simply walk into an interview with no background knowledge and expect to get insightful answers. To conduct a productive interview, you need to gather as much information as possible about the subject and the person you’re speaking to. Here’s how to do it:

Research the interviewee 🔗

Before you even think about the questions you’ll ask, it’s crucial to know who your interviewee is and what they bring to the table. Researching the person is more than just reading their bio or scanning their LinkedIn page. You should dive deeper into their background, accomplishments, and previous media appearances. If they’ve written books, been featured in articles, or appeared in interviews, make sure to review those. This will not only help you come up with relevant questions, but it will also show your interviewee that you respect their work.

Ask yourself: What makes this person interesting? What challenges have they faced? How do their experiences tie into the theme of your feature? Knowing the answers will allow you to ask more specific, insightful questions rather than relying on generic ones.

Understand the subject matter 🔗

In addition to researching your interviewee, you must also understand the topic at hand. This doesn’t mean you need to become an expert in their field, but having a solid grasp of the subject will allow you to ask informed questions. Whether the subject is a current event, a cultural trend, or a niche profession, your understanding will help you frame questions that elicit meaningful responses. The more context you have, the easier it will be to steer the conversation in a direction that’s valuable for your readers.

For example, if you’re interviewing a tech entrepreneur about AI, understanding the basics of AI, its applications, and its controversies will help you go beyond surface-level questions and engage in a deeper discussion.

Prepare your questions, but stay flexible 🔗

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to craft your questions. While you want to come prepared with a list of questions, it’s important to stay flexible during the interview. Sometimes, the best responses come when you deviate from your planned questions based on something interesting your interviewee says.

Structure your questions to start broad and gradually get more specific. Begin with open-ended questions that encourage your interviewee to share their story. For example, instead of asking, “What’s your biggest achievement?” try, “Can you tell me about a time when you overcame a major challenge?” This gives your subject the freedom to respond in their own way and provides richer material for your feature.

Also, ensure you have a few follow-up questions in mind, in case the conversation drifts in a new direction or something unexpected comes up. This shows that you’re actively listening and can engage with the interviewee on a deeper level.

Conducting the interview: building rapport and staying focused 🔗

Having done your homework, it’s time to step into the interview itself. Conducting a successful interview is about more than just asking good questions; it’s about creating an environment where your interviewee feels comfortable and open. Let’s explore some techniques for conducting interviews that foster a positive atmosphere and encourage great conversations.

Set the tone: be relaxed and approachable 🔗

One of the most important things to remember when conducting an interview is that your interviewee is human. Many people, especially those who are not used to being interviewed, might feel nervous or apprehensive. Your job as the interviewer is to help put them at ease. A relaxed, friendly attitude can work wonders in this regard.

Start by establishing a casual tone. Small talk at the beginning, such as complimenting them on a recent achievement or asking about their day, can help break the ice. When they feel like they’re talking to a person rather than just answering questions, they’ll be more likely to open up and share thoughtful responses.

It’s also helpful to let your interviewee know that you’re interested in their perspective. Phrases like, “I’d love to hear more about that,” or “That’s really interesting, could you elaborate?” encourage the subject to keep talking, and show that you’re not just trying to get through your list of questions.

Ask the right questions 🔗

Asking the right questions is essential, but it’s not just about what you ask-it’s also about how you ask it. Open-ended questions are great for encouraging detailed responses, but don’t forget about follow-up questions that show you’re listening attentively.

For example, if your interviewee shares an interesting anecdote, you could follow up with a question like, “How did that experience shape your view on…?” or “What did you learn from that situation?” These follow-up questions allow the conversation to dive deeper and give you more material for your feature.

Listen actively and stay focused 🔗

Good interviewers are good listeners. It’s not enough to just ask questions; you have to really listen to what the interviewee is saying. This not only helps you ask insightful follow-up questions but also ensures that you capture all the key points they’re making. Active listening also shows respect for your interviewee, making them more likely to trust you and share their thoughts honestly.

Staying focused is crucial too. While it might be tempting to check your notes or get distracted, maintaining eye contact and giving your full attention shows that you’re engaged. Keeping the conversation on track without interrupting, while still allowing your interviewee to share their story, will help you get the most out of the interview.

The first few minutes: making a strong impression 🔗

The first few minutes of an interview can set the tone for the entire conversation. It’s during this time that you’ll establish whether your subject feels comfortable and whether the interview will be productive. Here’s how to make those first moments count.

Start with small talk 🔗

Beginning the interview with light conversation or small talk can help take the pressure off your subject. This might be something as simple as commenting on the weather, asking about their journey to the interview location, or talking about a shared experience. Small talk helps to humanize the interview process and lets both of you ease into the more serious topics ahead.

Introduce yourself and explain the purpose of the interview 🔗

Before diving into your questions, take a moment to introduce yourself and explain the purpose of the interview. This creates transparency and reassures your interviewee that they understand how the information will be used. If your interview is for a feature story, tell them what angle you’re pursuing and why their perspective is valuable. This sets expectations and helps them feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts with you.

Establish trust and show appreciation 🔗

It’s important to convey to your interviewee that you value their time and insights. A simple expression of gratitude for their willingness to speak with you can go a long way in building rapport. For example, “Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today” helps set a tone of mutual respect. Trust is the foundation of any great interview, and these initial moments are when you begin to lay that foundation.

What do you think? How do you approach preparing for an interview? Do you have any techniques for building rapport or handling the first few minutes? Think about an interview you’ve done in the past-what went well, and what would you do differently next time?