Do Your Background Work for Interviews

"Study to show yourself approved" (2 Tim. 2:15) is not just for pastors. It's a really good idea, too, for writers. (I know, the context of the verse is Bible study but I'm taking some creative license here.)

This is especially important for interviews. It takes more than just asking a few questions to conduct a decent interview. You have to be familiar enough with your topic to ask intelligent follow-up questions and not miss opportunities that a good follow-up question would bring.

Many moons ago a writer had been assigned a phone interview with a Christian football player. I had no idea he knew zip about football. That is until I happened to overhear him ask this question fairly deep into his interview: "So, what does a linebacker do?"

Ouch.

You've got to know basic background for any interview. In this case, the player's promo identified him as an All-Pro linebacker. You don't waste your interviewee's time with questions like that. Look it up before the interview.

More Interview Guidelines

Be prepared. Do your homework so you don't waste time on basics and also so you won't miss valuable implications during the interview itself. Have a list of questions prepared in advance. Jot down notes for follow-up questions during the interview.

Conduct the interview in the best place possible. I have done my share of interviews in hotel lobbies and similar places. Often, circumstances dictate or you must meet where the interviewee chooses. If you can select the location, find as quiet a place as possible, and position yourself as close to the subject as is comfortable. Do everything you can to evoke the atmosphere of a casual chat rather than a formal question-and-answer session.

More on Conducting Interviews

Don't ask yes or no questions. The answers you get may be "yes" or "no," and that really doesn't make for a great published interview. Ask questions that require a thoughtful response.

Actively lead the conversation. Short-circuit, politely, any sidetracks to subjects not of value to your publishing intent. Gently, tactfully, refocus the conversation. A lot of time can be wasted if you don't do this. I have had interviews end abruptly when something demanded an interviewee's attention. Use your time wisely; if the interview is cut short, you want to have as much usable material as possible.

Know when not to lead it. Be tuned in enough to know when a sidetrack may be taking you to valuable ground.

Keep the tape running. Many of my best story ideas and interview segments have come in casual conversation after the interview is over, when the subject is relaxed. Many times I have said, "That's a great thought. Would you mind if I started the recorder again?"

Conducting Interviews

Don’t ever ask a potentially embarassing question unless you have forewarned your subject so they can have a gracious answer that is not a lie.

This is a characteristic of Christian journalism. Most secular journalists would cringe at this suggestion. But, as Christian journalists, our purpose is to glorify God, not get a scoop no matter who it hurts.