Mastering the Art of Advanced Interview Techniques
In the realm of journalism, securing exclusive information can significantly elevate one’s story and career. To achieve this, mastering advanced interview techniques is essential.
1. Pre-interview Research:
The foundation of a successful interview lies in thorough pre-interview research. Delve deep into not just the background of the person or the subject matter but also into their recent activities, social media, and the context surrounding the events they are involved in. Well-researched questions not only impress the interviewee but often lead them to share more detailed, exclusive insights.
2. Building Rapport:
Building a genuine connection with the interviewee can make or break the interview. Start with light, non-invasive questions to make your subject feel comfortable. Display sincere interest in their responses by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and using their name naturally during the conversation. Building rapport involves mastering the balance between professionalism and personal touch.
3. Utilizing Open-Ended Questions:
Open-ended questions are formulated to elicit more than a simple “yes” or “no” answer. These require a detailed response and encourage the interviewee to discuss more about the subject. For instance, questions like “Can you describe…” or “What led you to…” facilitate a detailed response and thereby a wealth of information.
4. Listening Skills:
Effective listening goes beyond hearing words; it involves understanding the context, sensing the emotion, and noting nonverbal cues. Active listening can help identify discrepancies or holes in responses, which might lead to probing further into potentially undisclosed areas.
5. Tactical Pausing:
Strategic pauses after a response maintain a conversational pressure that many find compelling to fill. This silence can lead the interviewee to continue speaking, potentially divulining more information than initially intended.
6. Mirroring Technique:
Mirroring involves repeating the last phrase or sentence spoken by the interviewee, often leading them to expand on their thoughts. This technique not only shows attentiveness but also encourages them to continue speaking and providing more detailed information.
7. Emotional Intelligence:
Understanding and navigating the emotional undercurrents during an interview can reveal more than the words being spoken. Being empathetic and sensitive to their emotional state can encourage openness and trust, leading to the disclosure of exclusive information. Adjust your approach based on the emotional cues provided by the interviewee.
8. The “Flanking” Technique:
To uncover information that an interviewee might be hesitant to reveal directly, approach the subject from a sideways angle. This involves asking about the context, related topics, or other individuals’ perspectives on the issue. It’s an indirect approach that can provide a backdoor into the primary topic of interest.
9. Follow-up Questions:
Always be ready with follow-up questions to delve deeper into any revealing answers. The follow-up is where often the most detailed, exclusive information is uncovered. It shows that you’re not only listening but are actively analyzing their responses.
10. Maintaining Confidentiality:
Assuring confidentiality when requested can make the difference between receiving surface information and gaining in-depth exclusive insights. If an interviewee requests anonymity or off-record segments, respecting these boundaries can establish a trust level that might lead to more sensitive or critical information being shared.
11. The Use of Non-Verbal Cues:
Non-verbal cues can play a critical role in enhancing the interview’s effectiveness. Nodding affirmatively, maintaining an open posture, and mirroring the body language of the interviewee can aid in making them feel understood and relaxed, fostering a conducive environment for sharing information.
12. Closing the Interview:
Ending an interview on a positive, polite note, regardless of the outcome, sustains a professional relationship. Express gratitude for the time and information given. Sometimes a courteous closure can lead to further communication or exclusive insights post-interview as well.
Employing these advanced techniques in journalistic interviews goes a long way in securing exclusive information that can distinguish your stories from others, thus elevating your portfolio and professional standing in a competitive field.
