This is just a brief update to the original “Interview Techniques for Social Filmmakers” blog posted yesterday.
I came across an excellent online resource in interviewing techniques that is worth reading: “The Art of the Interview,” by David Tamés. Here are a few highlights from this very comprehensive view on the subject.
Interviewing Tips:
>> Interviewees are talking with you, not the camera, not the crew
>> Don’t just run through a list of questions, that’s a formula for boredom, questions are just to help you keep things going; conversation, stories, and following up on what your interviewee is excited about is more important
>> Don’t have people restate, rather, ask for clarification or an explanation of the thing you want them to restate, much better for conversation flow
>> Make sure your interviewee has access to water (room temperature or cool, not cold)
>> Soft Rembrandt lighting is not only more dimensional, but the key is less direct on the interviewees eyes, thus more comfortable for them.
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Interviewers:
1. Always get a signed personal release form
2. Do research & preparation, pre-interview if applicable
3. Empathy and respect
4. Follow up on what excites your interviewee
5. Active listening: maintain, eye contact, don’t cut people off …
6. Interview to elicit STORIES from people, not just information
7. Allow pauses, sometimes yields more, and better room tone too!
For more information, make sure you check out David’s work at The Art of the Interview.
