Interviewing

Interviewing is only as successful as the questions you ask. Creating a questionnaire to manage the process is yet another aspect of writing.

An equally important element is whom you choose as your subject.

Your interest should be geared toward what your client does, something that's just happened to them, and so on. You were attracted to him or her for a reason. Direct your inquiry toward what sparked your interest and that you believe others will appreciate knowing.

The whole process can be a fun experience. At best, it's educational. Oftentimes, you learn a certain person has a sense of humor that you never before detected. A person's personality will show through in how they respond.

Be selective in whom you choose so you are not disappointed in a failed project should your subject turn out to be something of an ogre.

Something I've learned, however, is that people in any business love the attention. It is, after all, some of the best publicity a person can have. I hope it's the same in your field.

You can be better prepared if you have a list of points you wish to cover - things you feel your reader or listener would also love to know about that person. Then create a topic-centered questionnaire to present to your prospective client.

Since this is a writing Web site, the list I offer contains many and varied ways to trigger a writer's responses.

However, anything on the list can be re-worded or tailored to suit any career field.

I’ve conducted quite a few of these sessions. The best will show up on this site. Come back to read each as they are posted.

To help you, I've included a page with lists of suggestions. That page also contains explanations about content and how to move the session along.

Interview Format

Interview Questions

Books on CD, Terry W. Lessig, AudioBookMan

Magazine Publishing, Nadia Giordana, Mississippi Crow Magazine