How to Conduct Great Interviews

Top 15 Interviewing Techniques and Reminders

Good lighting and sound are key: LOOK AND LISTEN CAREFULLY
Source light should always be BEHIND YOU when looking at your interviewee
Use a tripod (really!)
Use headphones to listen for sounds and turn off noises that you can control
Use the “rule of thirds” (Watch a video featuring info on lighting, background, shots (1/3 rule, composition) (6:39)
Keep your subject in a medium to medium close-up shot
Don’t move camera or zoom unless absolutely necessary
First question: CONSENT (see informed consent section)
Second question: INTRODUCTION and ask them to say and spell their name and affiliation (i.e. organization)
Make sure all your questions are OPEN ENDED (not yes or no) and have your subject answer in COMPLETE SENTENCES (tell them to do so if you have to)
Prepare a list of questions beforehand – and ask them all!
Don’t interrupt your interviewee – unless essential
ALWAYS ask the interviewee “is there anything you’d like to add?”
Keep silent during an interview
Log your interview and mark your tape(s)!