Interviews don’t have to be a rigid question-and-answer session. In fact, a more natural and conversational approach can often yield richer insights. Don Ray shares his tips from a lifetime of interviews.
Interviewing – beyond the list
The key to conducting an informative and revealing interview is to foster an environment where the interviewee feels comfortable sharing openly, without feeling interrogated.
Forget writing down a list of questions. Instead, before the interview, jot down a few key words or phrases that represent the main topics or areas you want to explore. These aren’t questions, but rather mental anchors to guide the conversation.
This approach allows you to stay present and adapt to the flow of the discussion rather than spending time mechanically checking off items on a list.
You will be asking different questions from the six that every journalist should ask when covering a news story.
The art of gentle commands
Rather than asking direct questions, frame your inquiries as gentle commands or invitations to elaborate. This subtle shift in language can make a significant difference in how the interviewee perceives the interaction. Instead of “What did you learn?”, try:
- “Tell me about…”
- “Talk to me about…”
- “I’m curious about…”
- “Describe to me…”
For example, instead of asking “What are the things you learned?”, you might say, “Tell me about the best thing you learned.” This guides their focus without limiting their response to a bulleted list. Asking for a list often gets you just that – a list – which can be superficial. By encouraging them to delve into a specific aspect, you’re more likely to uncover deeper insights and narratives.
Silence is golden
Once you’ve offered your gentle command, listen intently to the response. This is crucial. When they finish speaking, resist the urge to jump in immediately. Instead, be quiet and wait. Often, people will elaborate further, clarify points, or offer additional thoughts if given the space to do so. This silence is not awkward; it’s an invitation for them to continue.
Words and phrases to avoid
To maintain this conversational flow and avoid putting the interviewee on the spot, consciously avoid using typical interrogative words in your verbal communication. Steer clear of:
- Who?
- What?
- When?
- Where?
- Why?
- How?
- How much?
- How many?
- Can you?
- Will you?
- Would you?
If you accidentally use one of these words, don’t panic. You can often recover by immediately following it with a gentle command like, “Tell me about it.” This redirects the focus from a direct question to an open invitation.
Recovering your focus
We all have moments where our minds wander. If you realise you weren’t fully listening to an answer, there’s a simple, effective recovery phrase: “Interesting … tell me more.” This not only buys you a moment to re-engage but also encourages the interviewee to expand on their previous statement, giving you another chance to absorb the information.
The non-verbal interviewer
Your presence and demeanour are just as important as your words. While the interviewee is speaking:
- Don’t make a sound: Avoid “uh-huhs,” “hmms,” or other verbal fillers. These can be distracting and interrupt their flow.
- Don’t interrupt: Let them complete their thoughts entirely.
- Don’t be judgmental: Your role is to listen and understand, not to evaluate or critique in the moment.
- Don’t be on their side either: Maintain a neutral stance. Your goal is to gather information objectively.
Instead of verbal cues, utilise silent body language for follow-ups. A nod, an attentive lean forward, or maintaining eye contact can all signal your engagement and encourage them to continue, without breaking their stride. This creates a supportive atmosphere where the interviewee feels truly heard and understood.
Note: This article was originally submitted in English (US) but has been changed to English (UK) with the author’s permission so that it matches the house style of Media Helping Media.
