How to conduct a can’t-miss interview
Actress, Sarah Chalke
7 Tips For Bringing Out The Best In People
Ever wonder why certain people come across really authentically on camera? Some of it has to do with who they are. But there’s also another side to it. The person you don’t see on the other end of the conversation.
I was never formally trained in the art of conducting an interview. In the advertising industry, people generally assume copywriters can pull it off. It turns out that’s true. Anyone can do it, so long as you follow a few simple rules.
With that, here are 7 Interviewing Tips I wish I’d known when I was first starting out.
1. Capture the Context
Because the interviewer’s voice is edited out of most videos, make sure to get complete thoughts from people, not just answers. A simple response doesn’t provide enough context for editors when they put the final video together. To solve for this, make a point of having the person repeat back the question as part of their answer.
2. Seek Spontaneity
I don’t believe in sharing questions in advance. Here’s why: rehearsed answers are never very interesting. Or human. On top of that, people stumble trying to recall what they were going to say. My advice is to offer a summary of things you plan to talk about.
3. Make Silence Your Friend
Rather than moving quickly from question to question, pause after each answer. This serves two functions: one, it keeps your voice out of the edit, and two, it gives the person a moment to reflect. Pausing may seem awkward at first, but some of the best on-camera moments happen when people are filling the silence.
4. Take The Pressure Off
Humans naturally feel pressure to perform on camera. Alleviate it by letting them know they can repeat their answers as many times as they like. It’s not like you’re burning through film. The more material to work with the better.
5. Think On Your Feet
Instead of adhering to a rigid set of questions, base each one on what the interviewee is saying. The answers they give may also dictate the order. Either way, be prepared to come up with questions on the fly and be flexible enough to go where the interview takes you.
6. End More Than Once
The best moments often come toward the end of interviews. By then, people are warmed up and willing to express their thoughts more freely. For this reason I follow up a few times, and rephrase key questions. Some of the best interview moments happen after what was supposed to be the last question.
7. Listen Like You Mean It
If nothing else, be a good listener. This means offering non-verbal cues that you’re fully engaged and focused on what someone has to say. People appreciate being heard and respond well to attention. The amount of effort you put into conducting an interview will more than likely come across in the final edit.
In the end, people with something important to say aren’t always comfortable with the idea of public speaking. A good interview removes the pressure to perform in front of a live audience.
It turns out some of the strongest public speakers got their start by being interviewed. Getting a few under your belt — with an interviewer who follows the above basics — could be the perfect springboard for getting your message out there.