12 ways to become a better interviewer

Powerful interviews lead to powerful writing

Good information not only makes reading worthwhile but that good information makes writing easier. One gathers information in all sorts of ways: research, observation, participation, surveying and exploration. We gather information also, of course, through interviewing. For many of us in a majority of reporting situations, interviewing becomes the most important means of collecting facts and views. And just as there is a craft of writing, there is a craft of interviewing.

Here are hints to help you improve that important skill.

1. Be desirous to learn, to enthusiastically learn on your own behalf, but even more than that to zealously learn on behalf of others. The questions you ask are on behalf of your audience. The answers you get are for your audience. Joy has an impact, and so does the lack of it. Give the person you’re interviewing the feeling that you’re grateful for the opportunity to talk and open to the receipt of imparted information.