Tip #25: Ask informed questions.

I'm organizing a panel discussion on "The Art of the Interview" for our February ICR program, which has made me think about what makes a good, productive interview.

As a freelance writer, I do at least a couple of in-depth interviews every week, and sometimes as many as six in one day. I've been steamrollered, stonewalled and inundated by sources who are either stuck on message, too reticent to talk, or so enthusiastic they practically dictate their stories.

The key to to saving the interview, in most every case, is knowing enough about your subject matter to engage the source with provocative questions. That means doing your homework ahead of time, and being flexible enough to deviate from your prepared questions.

The best interviews go from the big-picture to laser-point specifics, then back again.

This week, the story I wrote didn't require an interview, but it did take a considerable amount of Internet research. I applied this same principle to my Google searches, going from general to increasingly more specific keyword phrases until I got the level of detail I needed.

Whether you're interviewing a VIP or the Internet, asking informed questions can coax out more compelling stories.

Comments

[Ed Smith]

Hi, I thought you advice on starting the interview with a broad question and then zeroing in as you move through the interview was excellent, so thanks. Based on what you said about having been through it all with guests, it appears you really know interviewing. Given that, perhaps you would like to contribute to my blog that covers interviewing skills for the broadcast media. Many of your tips would work there as well as in print. Here is the link if you or any of your readers would like to contribute: http://conductknockoutbroadcastinterviews.com/blog/

OK, thanks and keep up the good work,Ed Smith.

[Cathy]

Thanks for the invitation, Ed! While the interviewing skills may carry over from print to broadcast, the on-camera / on-air aspect is totally foreign to me. I would fail miserably! But your blog has great tips for broadcast interviewers, and I encourage readers to visit it. Thanks for the resource!