G​ood interviewing technique is essential for those working in the media, especially those working as investigative reporters. Developing good technique is not easy and may in fact take years to perfect. However, there are a number of tips and tricks one can use to help improve interviewing technique. The first is to be prepared. Begin by preparing the location where the interview will take place. While many journalists prefer to meet their subjects in public places, it is important to choose a spot that will not be too loud or have a great deal of customer traffic. Small, quiet restaurants and coffee shops can be ideal interview spots.

Journalists should also have their questions prepared well in advance of the interview. It is important to consider the answers that your subject may have for you, and to prepare for any new avenues of discussion that could branch from your initial questions. You will also want to be ready to delve deeper into your subject’s responses. Instead of just accepting his answer, ask him why he feels that way, or how he came to learn that fact.

The questions themselves deserve a great deal of thought and planning before the interview. Open-ended questions will likely lead the interview off into unknown territory, while closed-ended questions will merely provide you with “yes” or “no” answers. You will want to be careful to create an open and friendly connection with the subject of your interview. Questions that will alienate him or cause him to go on the defensive are probably counter to your intended goals and should be avoided.

Finally, be prepared to record your interview, either with detailed notes or by using a voice recorder. Because you will want to be able to quote your interviewee, you will need to make sure that you catch his words verbatim; for that reason, recording may be the best alternative, provided that your subject agrees to being recorded.