By Leilani Squires

In the past seven years, I’ve conducted at least 500 interviews for articles (it’s more, but I kind of lost track and there’s a reason I chose writing over a math career). So I’ve learned a thing or two about interviewing. 

Writing other people’s stories and about their expertise is fascinating and fun—or it can be awful if you don’t prepare for and conduct the interview well. Whether you’re interviewing for articles, your latest book, a quote or two, or even a podcast, here are my top favorite tips: 

Before the Interview

Contact the interviewee

Know your interviewee’s name and how he/she spells it. This is especially important if you’re first contacting them via letter. Include the topic you wish to interview them about, for what purpose, for what publication, your deadline, how long you anticipate the interview meeting to take, your availability, confirm and double check the time zone, and offer a few interview options—via phone, email, video call, or in person. 

Pick a place

Find a place to meet where you’ll definitely be able to hear everything your interviewee says. A coffee shop can be a lovely place until the blender roars repeatedly. Meeting at someone’s office can also be distracting with phones ringing or other interruptions. 

If you’re meeting via video call, pick a quiet and peaceful location for you. Test your connection days before the interview. You don’t want to be the one at fault for connection issues. Extra tip: Silence all your computer and phone notifications before the interview starts.

Create your interview questions

Research the person and the topic thoroughly before the interview. Answer as many of your questions as possible through online, magazine, books, even his/her social media platforms. This helps you create more unique questions you can’t answer on your own, identify a different angle not already featured (which is really refreshing for more famous individuals), and lead to more article ideas. 

Organize your questions 

List your interview questions in a logical flow. Compose them as open-ended questions. You can’t create a full article from “yes/no” answers. When possible, list your questions chronologically. This makes it easier for your interviewee to answer the questions and it basically writes your article for you. 

Confirm 

The day before your interview, call or email to confirm the appointment. 

Dress professionally

You probably don’t need to be in a suit and tie, but try somewhere around business casual. You’re a professional. Dress like it.

Bring all your equipment

Pack your list of questions, recording device (a backup is also great), a notebook with far more paper than you think is needed, pens and extra pens, extra batteries and/or power cords, and your business card to give at the end. Extra tip: Before you click record, be sure you have his/her permission.

Be there first 

Arrive early to set up and get comfortable. Rushing in at the last minute will usually cause you to be flustered and that’s when you won’t properly set up your recorder, or be settled enough to truly listen to their answers. Be as confident, at peace, in control, and professional as possible so your interviewee can feel at ease and comfortable, therefore giving awesome answers.

During the Interview

Watch the time.

If you said the interview would be an hour, keep it to an hour. This shows respect for his/her time. 

Be sure

If you’re confused at any point, ask for clarification. Then repeat back to ensure you understand correctly. Or, ask the question in a different way to make sure you understand. Never assume. Confirm dates, names, abbreviations, especially if they use unfamiliar names or abbreviations often. 

Ask follow-up questions

If there’s an opportunity to delve deeper into their answers, go for it. This can lead to better understanding for you, gaining another helpful anecdote, or even another article idea. If you notice your interviewee becoming uncomfortable or giving curt answers, be understanding and move on to your next listed question. 

Watch body language

Write down brief descriptions of their quirks and personality. It may be something to include in the article or it will help you remember and stay true to their tone and personality. 

End well

Right on time, thank them for their time. But don’t put your notebook or recorder away until the interviewee has left. Try to be the last person to leave the table. You never know what great tidbit or anecdote you’ll get as they process and prepare to leave. Most of the time, you’ll get an even better piece to use!

After the Interview

Send him/her a thank you email for meeting with you. Again, offer your contact information if he/she thinks of anything else to add to the interview. 

Well, now you can totally rock that next interview. Who are you going to interview next? Go forth and be amazing! 

Leilani Squires is a writer and editor who began working with authors, organizations, and entrepreneurs in 2002. She helps each client develop their message or story clearly, concisely, and compellingly. She has a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing from Taylor University and a master’s degree in Communications from Regent University. Leilani speaks at writers conferences, universities, and is an adjunct professor. View Leilani’s services for writers at leilanisquires.com.