Interview Tips for Content Creators
[Originally published: January 13, 2022]
In nearly 20 years as a professional writer, I can’t think of a more powerful tool than asking questions. I’ve interviewed hundreds of people, from elite athletes and celebrities to politicians and national experts. My most memorable interviews have been the ones with parents, teachers, advocates, and citizens. Their stories are just as interesting if you can find the stuff they’re most interested in or passionate about.
But here’s the thing. You don’t need the polish of a 60 Minutes correspondent, the production value of an Oprah Winfrey exclusive, or the intimacy of a Terry Gross interview. You need curiosity, empathy, and active listening skills.
If you’re a communications professional, interviews can be a great way to create high-quality content that builds thought leadership and brand credibility. Below are some key tips to follow as you get started. In another post, I’ll dig deeper into the soup-to-nuts interview process from the perspectives of strategic communications and project management (identifying interview subjects, cultivating relationships, drafting questions, production, etc.)
8 Tips for Conducting a Great Interview
- Prepare, prepare, prepare.
- Treat your subject with courtesy and respect.
- Craft great questions.
- Always record the conversation and use a transcription service like Otter
- Ask for an explanation about things you don’t understand.
- Let the interview take its natural course.
- Practice active listening.
- Write up your notes IMMEDIATELY after the interview
