This document provides tips for conducting an effective interview. It recommends preparing for the interview by identifying its purpose, gathering background information on the topic or person being interviewed, and structuring questions. When conducting the interview, the tips suggest establishing rapport with the interviewee, following the prepared questions, and relaxing to make the interviewee comfortable. Proper preparation and practice are emphasized to help the interview go smoothly.

1. Tips for Conducting an
Interview

2. Preparation
•Identify the Purpose
•Gather Background Information
•Structure the Interview

3. Identifying the Purpose of the
Interview
• Exploring a person’s Life
• About an Event
• About a Community
• It is a Theme

4. Gathering Information
Beforehand
• Check Books
• Check for Past Newspaper, Magazine
Articles
• Talk to People
• Get Historical Placement
• If an author, review his/her book
• The Internet

5. Structuring the Interview
• Determine the Length of Interview
• By Phone or in Person
• How many Questions do you Need
• What Area do you Want to Explore
• Decide to Ask questions Chronologically
or by theme

6. Conducting the Interview
Establish Rapport
Follow Questions
Relax

7. Establishing Rapport
• Appear Interested
• Casual Talk Before Interview
• Explain Structure of Interview
• Avoid putting interviewed on the
Defensive
• If in Person Look Them In the Eye

8. Follow-Up Questions
• Think Ahead
• Listen!!!
• Continue a Line of questioning if it is Interesting
• Keep Your Structure Flexible
• Write Down Spontaneous Questions

9. Relax, Its Not That Hard
• Practice, It Will Put You At Ease
• The More You Interview the Easier It Is
• Be Prepared, It Will Make You Confident

10. Relax, Its Not That Hard
• Practice, It Will Put You At Ease
• The More You Interview the Easier It Is
• Be Prepared, It Will Make You Confident