“Interviewing Basics Help You Focus on Content” By: Dalya Goldberger Presented by Rachel Jewell November 20, 2007 Presented by Rachel Jewell November 20, 2007

Introduction Interviews help people who are writing research papers to find new information about the subject Interviews are best used after the paper is written because they can defend or negate what the experts have written There are 3 parts to to a successful interview process: setting the interview up, planning the interview, and conducting the interview Interviews help people who are writing research papers to find new information about the subject Interviews are best used after the paper is written because they can defend or negate what the experts have written There are 3 parts to to a successful interview process: setting the interview up, planning the interview, and conducting the interview

First Hurdle: Setting it Up Biggest obstacle between you and the interviewee is time: be flexible in schedule Be open and honest about the purpose of your research Answer interviewee’s questions in advance: including type of information you’re looking for, if you’re work is going to be published, and if he or she can review it first Biggest obstacle between you and the interviewee is time: be flexible in schedule Be open and honest about the purpose of your research Answer interviewee’s questions in advance: including type of information you’re looking for, if you’re work is going to be published, and if he or she can review it first

Step Two: Being Prepared Research the subject matter: especially know key terms to avoid embarrassing or irrelevant questions Anticipate the direction the interview will take: have a list of questions and anticipate possible answers, but don’t let the list dominate the interview Be prepared for little mishaps: be ready for things to go wrong, bring extra batteries, extra pens, write down little details you wish to examine more later Research the subject matter: especially know key terms to avoid embarrassing or irrelevant questions Anticipate the direction the interview will take: have a list of questions and anticipate possible answers, but don’t let the list dominate the interview Be prepared for little mishaps: be ready for things to go wrong, bring extra batteries, extra pens, write down little details you wish to examine more later

Finally, During the Interview (Part 1) Make the interviewee feel comfortable: explain your reasons for conducting the interview, conduct the interview in an environment where the interviewee is most comfortable Take the lead in focusing the interview: guide the conversation but decide when the interviewee should get free reign to speak, too Learn how to read and use body language: gauge how the interviewee is feeling by reading their body language. Mirroring their body language will help to put them at ease Make the interviewee feel comfortable: explain your reasons for conducting the interview, conduct the interview in an environment where the interviewee is most comfortable Take the lead in focusing the interview: guide the conversation but decide when the interviewee should get free reign to speak, too Learn how to read and use body language: gauge how the interviewee is feeling by reading their body language. Mirroring their body language will help to put them at ease

During the Interview (Part 2) Be a good listener: encourage the interviewee to talk, you are there to hear what they have to say, after all Know when to ask open-ended and leading questions: open-ended questions allow the interviewee to discuss a particular subject at length, leading questions will help you get more in depth into that subject Use lulls in conversation to your advantage: use silences to encourage the interviewee to elaborate on a point that may require more detail Be a good listener: encourage the interviewee to talk, you are there to hear what they have to say, after all Know when to ask open-ended and leading questions: open-ended questions allow the interviewee to discuss a particular subject at length, leading questions will help you get more in depth into that subject Use lulls in conversation to your advantage: use silences to encourage the interviewee to elaborate on a point that may require more detail

Internalize the Basics Keep practicing your interviewing skills in order to internalize the basics of interviewing and to give you the ability to focus on content instead of process

Conclusion Thank you! Any Questions?? Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you! Any Questions?? Have a Happy Thanksgiving!