29. The Art of Interviewing - Engaging Conversations with Inspiring Individuals

As a professional news anchor and journalist, interviewing individuals is a critical component of my job. Whether I am interviewing a politician, a celebrity, or an expert in their field, it is essential that I engage in a conversation that not only informs my audience but also inspires them. It is through the art of interviewing that we can learn from the experiences and ideas of others and share their stories with the world.

For beginning writers, creators, and YouTubers, interviewing inspiring individuals can be a daunting task. However, with practice and preparation, anyone can become a successful interviewer. In this article, I will share my tips and tricks that I have learned over my years in the industry to help you master the art of interviewing.

Preparing for the Interview

Before conducting an interview, it is essential to prepare adequately. Preparation is not just about conducting research on the interviewee, but it is also about understanding the tone and atmosphere you want to create during the conversation. For example, if the interview focus is serious, you may want to set a more formal tone for the interview. If the interview focus is light-hearted, you may want to make the interview more conversational and relaxed.

Researching the Interviewee

Researching the interviewee is a crucial first step in preparing for an interview. You should research the interviewee’s background, their accomplishments, their current work, and their interests. This research will help you formulate the right questions to ask during the interview and help you understand the interviewee's perspective.

Understand the Direction of the Interview

Once you have researched the interviewee, you can begin to understand the direction of the interview. You should identify key areas of interest that you would like to explore during the interview. These areas can give you direction when formulating your questions and keep the conversation on track.

Preparation for Questions

Formulating the right questions is an essential part of an interview. Your questions should be open-ended, not leading, and relate to the interviewee's background, experience, and interests. They should be engaging and take the conversation in a new and exciting direction. You may want to consider creating a few different questions of varying lengths and complexity so that you can adapt as necessary during the interview.

The Interview

Once you start the interview, it's essential to create an atmosphere where the interviewee feels comfortable and relaxed. This will help them open up and provide more insightful answers. Here are some tips to help you create the right atmosphere during the interview.

Make Eye Contact

Making eye contact is essential during an interview. It can be easy to get caught up in your notes or script, but try to maintain eye contact as much as possible. This technique shows the interviewee you are interested in what they have to say and helps build trust.

Active Listening

Active listening is another critical component of an interview. It means actively engaging in the conversation, understanding what the interviewee is saying, and responding thoughtfully. It is not just about listening but also responding in a way that moves the conversation forward.

Responding to the Interviewee’s Responses

Your responses during the interview should be thoughtful and concise. They should add to the overall conversation and not detract from it. For example, you might want to reflect back what the interviewee has said and then ask a follow-up question to expand upon their response.

Transitioning Between Questions

During an interview, it is not always easy to move from one question to the next smoothly. It is essential to have some transition phrases on hand to make this process easier. For example, you might say: "That's really interesting, and it leads me to ask..." or "I see your point, but what about...".

Building Rapport

Finally, building rapport with the interviewee is key to creating an engaging and insightful conversation. You can do this by asking personal questions that show an interest in their life or experiences. This helps to build trust and helps them feel more comfortable in sharing their ideas with you.

Conclusion

Interviewing is one of the most critical skills a writer, creator, or YouTuber can have. It is through the art of interviewing that they can engage in inspiring and thought-provoking conversations with individuals from all walks of life. By preparing properly, making eye contact, actively listening, and building rapport, you can create an atmosphere that generates insightful and engaging conversations. So go out there and start interviewing!