Following on from last week – here are my notes about conducting interviews – there were originally only 10 in my notes, but as I was putting them down for this post – I kept on adding more and more…
1. Research your Guest: Conduct thorough research on the guest to prepare questions that are relevant and engaging. Either you should do this or your producer, but you should go over these notes BEFORE they arrive, not while they are in the studio with you.
2. Prepare a Script: Prepare a script or outline of the interview to keep the conversation on track and ensure that all important topics are covered. Be it a bullet point list or a full script – work with what makes you comfortable.
3. Start with Easy Questions: Begin with easy, light hearted questions to help the guest feel comfortable and relaxed. Don’t go in for the kill straight away, UNLESS you don’t have time – then sure – open up with both barrels.
4. Listen Carefully: Listen actively to the guest’s responses and ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into their answers.
5. Stay Focused: Stay focused on the interview topic and avoid getting side tracked by unrelated topics, tangents, sponsorship or credits, songs or messages – stay focused.
6. Be Prepared to Improvise: Be prepared to improvise if the conversation takes an unexpected turn, and be willing to go off-script if necessary. This combines points 4 & 5.
7. Use Open-Ended Questions: Use open-ended questions to encourage the guest to share their thoughts and experiences in more detail.
8. Allow your Guest to Speak: Allow the guest to speak without interruption or interjection, unless it is necessary to redirect the conversation.
9. Maintain a Conversational Tone: Maintain a conversational tone and avoid sounding overly formal or scripted.
10. Avoid Controversial Topics: Avoid controversial topics that could potentially offend or upset the guest or listeners. Unless that is the reason why they are being interviewed.
11. Be Respectful: Treat the guest with respect and courtesy at all times, even if you disagree with their opinions or perspectives.
12. Build Rapport: Build rapport with the guest by finding common ground and showing genuine interest in their experiences and perspectives.
13. Be Punctual: Be punctual and ensure that the guest is ready and available at the scheduled interview time.
14. Use Appropriate Humour: Use humour when appropriate to lighten the mood and make the guest feel more at ease.
15. Avoid Clichés: Avoid using clichéd or overused questions, and try to ask questions that are unique and thought-provoking. The same can be said for avoiding Industry Jargon.
16. Encourage Storytelling: Encourage the guest to share personal stories and anecdotes to make the interview more engaging and relatable.
17. Be Flexible: Be flexible and willing to adjust the interview format or questions as needed to accommodate the guest’s preferences or needs.
18. Avoid Talking over the Guest: While similar to point 8 – Avoid talking over the guest or interrupting their responses, as this can come across as rude or dismissive.
19. Be Professional: Maintain a professional demeanour at all times, even if the interview becomes emotional or intense.
20. End on a Positive Note: End the interview on a positive note, thanking the guest for their time and contributions, and promoting upcoming events or projects related to the guest.
