Have you ever found yourself dreading an upcoming interview, unsure of how to navigate the conversation and extract the most valuable insights? As a content creator, I’ve conducted countless interviews, both online and in-person, and I’ve learned that effective interviewing is a skill that can be mastered with practice and the right techniques.
The Importance of Active Listening
The most crucial aspect of conducting a successful interview is active listening. It’s easy to get caught up in your own thoughts, anticipating the next question, or formulating a response, but doing so will cause you to miss crucial information from your interviewee. Actively listening means fully engaging with what the person is saying, processing their words, and allowing their responses to guide the natural flow of the conversation.
When you truly listen, you’ll be able to ask insightful follow-up questions that delve deeper into the topic at hand. You’ll also avoid redundancy by not asking questions that have already been answered. Active listening fosters a more organic and engaging interaction, making the interview feel like a genuine conversation rather than a rigid back-and-forth.
Embrace the Power of Follow-Up Questions
One of the most effective techniques for keeping an interview engaging and dynamic is the strategic use of follow-up questions. Rather than relying on a lengthy list of pre-prepared queries, I recommend having a handful of broad, overarching questions and then allowing the conversation to naturally unfold from there.
Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification, examples, or different explanations when something isn’t entirely clear. Phrases like “Can you elaborate on that?” or “Could you provide an example?” not only demonstrate your attentiveness but also encourage your interviewee to dive deeper into their thoughts and experiences.
Additionally, follow-up questions can serve as a lifeline if you momentarily lose focus. By asking for a rephrasing or an example, you can regain your footing while simultaneously prompting the interviewee to expand on their previous statement.
Ditch the Note-Taking Habit
While it may seem counterintuitive, I strongly advise against taking copious notes during an interview. The act of furiously scribbling can be a significant distraction, causing you to miss out on crucial nonverbal cues and preventing you from fully engaging in the conversation.
Instead of attempting to capture every word on paper, trust in the recording and jot down only a few key phrases or words that can act as prompts for follow-up questions. This approach allows you to remain present, maintain eye contact, and truly connect with your interviewee.
After the interview, you can always review the recording and make more detailed notes at your leisure. The most important thing is to stay focused during the actual conversation, as that’s where the magic happens.
Inject Personal Anecdotes and Experiences
One of the most effective ways to create a comfortable and engaging atmosphere during an interview is to share personal anecdotes and experiences that relate to the topic at hand. By injecting a bit of yourself into the conversation, you not only humanize the interaction but also encourage your interviewee to open up and respond in kind.
For example, if you’re discussing the challenges of making difficult decisions, you might share a relatable scenario like procrastinating on a particularly daunting email in your inbox. This personal touch can instantly put your interviewee at ease and prompt them to share their own stories and perspectives.
Remember, an interview is ultimately a controlled interaction between two (or more) people. The more personal and authentic you can make it, the more engaging and insightful it will become for everyone involved.
Embrace the Power of Scarcity
As a final pro tip, I recommend employing a psychological tactic that can unlock a treasure trove of golden insights from your interviewee. Approximately 15-20 minutes before the scheduled end of the interview, casually mention that you’re nearing the conclusion and have only a few minutes left.
This simple statement can work wonders, as it triggers a sense of scarcity in your interviewee’s mind. Suddenly, they’ll feel compelled to share those final nuggets of wisdom they’ve been holding back, afraid that they might miss the opportunity to do so.
It’s a subtle yet powerful technique that can lead to some of the most valuable and unexpected insights emerging near the end of an otherwise ordinary interview.
Conclusion
Conducting a truly engaging and insightful interview is an art form that requires practice, adaptability, and a genuine interest in your subject matter. By mastering the techniques of active listening, strategic follow-up questioning, minimizing distractions, injecting personal anecdotes, and embracing the power of scarcity, you’ll be well on your way to elevating your interviews from mundane Q&A sessions to captivating conversations that unlock the deepest insights and stories.
Remember, the key is to approach each interview with an open mind, a willingness to go with the flow, and a genuine desire to connect with your interviewee on a human level. With these skills in your arsenal, you’ll be able to create content that not only informs but also inspires and resonates with your audience.
