• Writers/Journalists: Do interviews ever get easier?

    Yes, yes they do.

    I just realized that my interviewing prowess has gone to brazen levels…I’m grabbing CEOs by the Blackberries, whipping out my MP3 recorder and insisting on juicy tidbits…now.

    Ok, not really (so please don’t pass me up, dear potential-client).

    But, things are definitely smoother. Now that I’ve handled about a dozen in person and phone interviews, things are going much easier. Here’s my top interview tips for new writers.

    1) Let them talk. Most of the subjects I’ve written on are quite accustomed to talking about themselves. They’ve been groomed by PR departments and are ready to sef-promote. turn on the tap, start the convo, but then let them go.

    2) Don’t be afraid to interrupt. They do like to go. Interupting is easy. Clear your throat, turn the page, squint at your questions. They’ll get the hint. When they trail off, dive in, and massage the conversation in the way you want it to go.

    3) Write the story in your head as they’re talking. This will often lead you to additional questions. I’m not saying not to pay attention- you should. But you should pay attention to the STORYLINE of this conversation. Imagine it on the page. Imagine the photo. Imagine the message. Let that guide your conversation.

    Still nervous about interviews? I’ve found that dressing well, pretending you know what you’re doing, and having the right tools feels…well…smoother. This is simply something that you need to perfect through practice. Do it!

2 Responsesso far.

  1. Steve Sears says:

    Yeah, let them talk! It belongs as #1 on this list.

    Also, make the interview a conversation. I have found that, in MOST cases, interviews are smoother and easier if, even if you do have set questions to ask, veering off the trail gets you a better interview.

    But, hey, that’s me…

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