Before you start to interview someone, do some research. Who is the interviewee? What do they do? Read up on the topic you’re going to talk about, so you know what questions to ask. Understand them, their style and tone. This way you can introduce the interviewee properly to the audience and ask the right questions.
A list of questions that will serve as a guide for the interview will facilitate the interview and ensure you cover everything you want the interviewee to tell you. You should also think of follow-up questions depending on the answer. Anticipate and prepare in advance so that you do not have to come up with things on the spot. Imagine yourself as the viewer. What would you like to know about the topic? Do not be too rigid, if a question pops into your head, ask it. Do not be afraid of asking too many questions, what you do not need, you can cut out when editing.
Some important rules regarding questions:
- YES or NO questions will not give you enough information. Use Big Open Questions
- Ask just one question at a time
- Ask questions that give the interviewee the chance to expand on the matter
- Never respond orally because your voice will be recorded and you will not be able to use the quote. Nod instead
Testing all equipments
You should also test all the equipment before you start filming. Is the audio fine? Is the camera working? This way there will be no problems and you can start filming as soon as the interviewee walks in. This can also help when it comes to time management.
How to make your interviewee feel comfortable
You will have a successful interview only by making your interviewee feel at ease. You have to start as soon as the interviewee walks in. Do this by telling them about yourself and the project, share the goal of the interview and your expectations. Try to connect with the interviewee and let them know what you will be doing. Keep the conversation light and friendly. Another way to make your interviewee feel at ease is by smiling. Make them smile too, smiling can help people feel more relaxed. Do not rush them but let them tell their stories calmly and really listen to them. You have to be invested in what they say and not only be focused on the questions you want to ask. A good way to be invested is follow-up questions, but always give the person enough time to finish their idea, you never know what interesting thing they may say after a brief pause. You have to know what you are doing. Know your equipment and how to handle it. It makes the interviewee feel at ease if the reporter/interviewer knows what they are doing and how to use the equipment.