🎙️Art of the Interview Unit 9 – Interview Styles and Subject Adaptation

Key Interview Styles

• Informational interviews gather facts and details about a specific topic or event
• Narrative interviews encourage subjects to share their personal stories and experiences
• Investigative interviews aim to uncover hidden information or verify facts (corruption scandals)
• Feature interviews focus on the subject's personality, opinions, and unique perspective
• Confrontational interviews challenge the subject's views or actions, often used in political or controversial contexts
• Conversational interviews create a relaxed, informal atmosphere to put the subject at ease
• In-depth interviews explore a topic or individual in great detail, often spanning multiple sessions

Preparing for Different Subjects

• Research the subject's background, accomplishments, and areas of expertise to ask informed questions
• Identify the subject's communication style (formal, casual, reserved) to adapt your approach
• Anticipate sensitive or controversial topics and prepare tactful ways to address them
  • Have alternative questions ready if the subject is unwilling to discuss certain issues
• Customize your questions to the subject's unique experiences and perspectives
• For technical or complex subjects, familiarize yourself with key terminology and concepts
• When interviewing public figures, review their recent media appearances and statements
• Prepare a mix of open-ended and specific questions to elicit both broad insights and detailed responses

Building Rapport Techniques

• Begin with friendly small talk to put the subject at ease and establish a connection
• Show genuine interest in the subject's experiences and opinions by actively listening and asking follow-up questions
• Use the subject's preferred name or title to demonstrate respect and attentiveness
• Find common ground by discussing shared interests, experiences, or acquaintances
• Mirror the subject's body language and tone to create a sense of harmony and understanding
  • Maintain eye contact, nod, and smile when appropriate
• Use humor judiciously to lighten the mood and create a more relaxed atmosphere
• Express empathy and understanding when the subject shares personal or emotional stories

Adapting Questions on the Fly

• Listen actively to the subject's responses and use them to guide your follow-up questions
• Be prepared to deviate from your planned questions if the subject raises interesting or unexpected points
• Ask for clarification or elaboration when the subject's answers are vague or incomplete
• Rephrase questions if the subject seems confused or provides an off-topic response
• If the subject is unresponsive or evasive, try approaching the topic from a different angle
• Be flexible with your interview structure, allowing the conversation to flow naturally while still covering key points
• Trust your instincts and pursue promising lines of inquiry, even if they weren't part of your original plan

Non-Verbal Communication Strategies

• Pay attention to the subject's facial expressions, gestures, and posture for insight into their emotions and comfort level
• Maintain an open, relaxed posture to put the subject at ease (uncrossed arms, leaning slightly forward)
• Use affirmative body language like nodding and smiling to encourage the subject to continue speaking
• Avoid fidgeting, checking your phone, or appearing distracted, as this can make the subject feel unimportant
• Respect the subject's personal space and avoid invasive or intimidating gestures
• Use silence strategically to give the subject time to reflect and elaborate on their answers
• Adjust your own non-verbal cues to match the tone and atmosphere of the interview (serious, lighthearted, emotional)

Handling Challenging Interviewees

• Remain calm and professional when faced with hostile, evasive, or uncooperative subjects
• Prepare for potential objections or confrontations by having facts and evidence readily available
• Rephrase sensitive questions in a neutral, non-judgmental way to encourage open communication
• If the subject becomes agitated or defensive, acknowledge their feelings and try to steer the conversation back to neutral ground
• Use silence or strategic pauses to give the subject space to collect their thoughts or reconsider their responses
• If the subject consistently avoids answering questions, politely but firmly press for a direct response
  • "I understand this may be a sensitive topic, but it's important for our audience to hear your perspective."
• If the interview becomes unproductive or hostile, consider ending it gracefully and seeking alternative sources

Ethics and Legal Considerations

• Always obtain informed consent from the subject before conducting an interview
• Be transparent about the purpose, format, and intended use of the interview
• Respect the subject's right to privacy and avoid pressuring them to disclose sensitive information
• Verify the accuracy of the subject's statements through independent research and fact-checking
• Avoid misrepresenting or sensationalizing the subject's words through selective editing or out-of-context quotes
• Protect the subject's confidentiality if they request anonymity or discuss sensitive topics
• Be aware of legal restrictions on recording, such as wiretapping laws or two-party consent requirements
• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that may affect your reporting

Practical Application Tips

• Practice active listening by giving the subject your full attention and avoiding interruptions
• Take notes during the interview to capture key points and quotes
• Use a reliable recording device to ensure accuracy and allow for later transcription
• Choose an interview location that is comfortable, private, and free from distractions
• Begin with easier, warm-up questions to help the subject relax and open up
• Use transitions to guide the conversation smoothly between topics
  • "That's a great point about [topic A]. I'm also curious about your thoughts on [topic B]."
• End the interview on a positive note by thanking the subject for their time and insights
• Follow up with the subject to clarify any unclear points or obtain additional information