Interviews are a great way to document stories, but the whole idea can start to feel a little too formal when you’re meeting with family. Staying relaxed and keeping the person you are meeting with at ease is the best way to capture their personality and record a great interview.
The Best Interviews Are Conversations
There are few things that I love more than great conversation. Connecting with someone inspires me in ways that often defies logic. Making the world seem both large and small and somewhat magical.
I know, those are high expectations. But it all comes down to truly listening, being in the conversation.
I’m often asked if the camera or audio recording devices make me nervous. No, not at all. Does the equipment make the person I’m interviewing nervous. Yes, sometimes. Often, once we get talking we forget I’m recording the conversation. The best way to stay focused on the conversation is to be prepared.
Prepping Tips
- Never give your interviewee your questions in advance. They will ask – don’t do it. I do give an idea of the topics we will cover. Keeping it general means the answers will not come across as having been rehearsed.
- Always check your equipment and bring extra batteries. You will want the equipment to do the recording so you do not feel the need to take notes.
- Control the location. Pick a place that isn’t too noisy and offers little distractions. Often people feel more comfortable in their home. Try and check it out before the interview. Be on the look out for construction in the area, and when the neighbors do their yard work.
- Do your research. Sometimes you are looking for a specific answer. Knowing the history will help you ask the questions that will lead in the direction you want, but be mindful not to over load your questions with information. You are looking for their take or personal story regarding the specific event.
- Prepare your questions to be short and open ended. We want to ask questions that engage and inspire a story. No yes or no answers here. There are six basic questions: Who? What? Where? When? How? and Why? Each should be it’s own question. Asking a question and tagging on “and why?” muddles answers and often means that one of the questions will not get answered.
Interviews with family and friends can be fun and enlightening. If feel like your interview questions are starting to sound like a news program check out a few podcasts. A couple of my favorites whose interviews feel more like conversations I’ve dropped in on are: Marc Maron’s WTF and Elizabeth Gilbert’s Magic Lessons.
Blueskies,
Tami