Whether you're a print, digital, or broadcast journalist or an attorney conducting an initial consultation, a deposition, or a witness interview, you need to know how to talk with people and get what you need out of the discussion.
My 16+ years as an investigative TV news reporter and producer in places like Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, taught me more than a few lessons about interviewing. It's not just about getting the right sound bites or "gotcha" moments; it's about real listening and understanding. Of course, you need quotes to strengthen your story or case, but going in with a script and just looking to fill in the blanks will limit your perspective and weaken the final product. Instead, approach each interview with a genuine desire to learn something new.
Goals Over Questions
An interview shouldn’t just be a checklist of questions. Before you sit down, know what you want to achieve—what facts or perspectives you hope to bring out. This doesn’t mean going in with a rigid narrative or agenda; instead, it’s about having a goal that guides you while staying open to unexpected insights.
Listen First, Talk Second
Real interviewing is about listening, not leading. Avoid confirmation bias—don’t just look for answers that fit your pre-existing story. Instead, aim for an authentic understanding. That might sound simple, but it’s more complicated in practice, especially when you feel the pressure of a deadline or a story angle.
Always Record (with Permission): Start every interview recording by asking the interviewee to spell their full name and state their title. This ensures accuracy and avoids mistakes later on. Often, the best first question is, “What happened?” Then just listen. Let silences linger—often, the most revealing details come after a pause.
Respect and Empower Vulnerable Voices
When interviewing survivors of crime or trauma, especially cases of sexual assault, approach with sensitivity and respect. Empower them by giving them control: let them decide when the interview officially begins and what goes on the record. Explain how their story will be used, and in cases where anonymity may be protective, especially for minors, consider discussing options for keeping their identity confidential. This approach builds trust and makes interviewees feel safer sharing difficult experiences.
Structure Your Questions Thoughtfully
Order your questions carefully. Save tougher or more confrontational questions for the end. If someone feels uncomfortable or even decides to leave, you’ll already have a substantial part of the interview recorded. Politely challenge vague or questionable statements to clarify meaning for both yourself and your audience. Remember, if something doesn’t make sense to you, it likely won’t make sense to them, either.
Prepare But Stay Flexible
Research and prepare questions in advance, but don’t let them lock you into a rigid format. Interviews should feel like conversations, not interrogations. Let the conversation flow naturally; if someone brings up a surprising topic, be willing to pivot. And to make them feel at ease, don’t be afraid to show a bit of vulnerability yourself. Admitting you’re nervous or emphasizing that you want to understand their perspective honestly can make a difference and is among the most effective interview techniques.
Technical Must-Haves
Good audio quality is more important than video. Use a boom mic for primary audio and a lavalier as a backup. Control lighting carefully, starting with the backlight, adding fill, and finally, the key light. Avoid auto white balance—stick with a setting and adjust in post if needed.
Multiple camera angles make for smoother editing and offer flexibility to cut between shots. Follow the 180-degree rule (and the 30-degree rule for variety), and shoot on the shadow side for depth. Monitor audio levels throughout and capture room tone at the interview's start and end.
Capture the Unscripted Moments
Turn on your recorder early and keep it running after the formal interview ends. The most authentic moments often happen when people think the interview is over. These unscripted insights can add depth to your story and provide genuine glimpses into the person’s character.
The Power of the Pause
Silence is a powerful tool. Don’t rush through questions. People often feel compelled to fill quiet moments, which can lead to unfiltered answers or additional details they might not otherwise share. Instead of reading from a list, memorize key talking points and aim to have a natural, conversational flow.
Seek the Unexpected
The most powerful interviews are the ones that reveal something unexpected. A strong closing question might be, “What have you learned that might surprise someone unfamiliar with this?” This often uncovers unique insights and perspectives, helping you (and your audience) see the subject in a new light.
Listening with Empathy is Key to Unlocking Effective Interview Techniques
At its core, interviewing is about empathy. It’s about creating a space where people feel understood and safe to share their stories. Approach each conversation with openness, curiosity, and respect, and you’ll find that people are more willing to open up, offering insights that go beyond words on a page.