How to Write an Interview

Writing an interview involves more than just asking questions and jotting down answers. It's about capturing the essence of a conversation, translating that into a narrative that's both informative and engaging. Whether you're a journalist, a student tasked with an assignment, or someone looking to record a conversation for a blog, it's crucial to know how to navigate this process effectively. Let's explore how to write an impactful interview from start to finish.

Preparing for the Interview

Researching the Interviewee

Before you even think about what questions to ask, you need to do your homework. Start by researching your interviewee thoroughly. Know their background, achievements, and any current projects they're involved in. This information will not only help you tailor your questions but also show your interviewee that you're genuinely interested.

• Look for recent articles, interviews, or press releases about the person.
• Check their social media profiles for personal insights or current interests.
• Read any work they're known for, such as books, articles, or reports.

Having this background knowledge allows you to craft more nuanced questions and gives you the ability to steer the conversation in interesting directions. Plus, it's always a good idea to be prepared for unexpected turns in the discussion.

Crafting Thoughtful Questions

Your questions are the backbone of the interview, so it's worth spending time to get them right. Start with a mix of open-ended and specific questions. Open-ended questions encourage the interviewee to share more detailed responses, while specific questions can help you dive deeper into particular topics.

• Open-ended example: "Can you tell me about a time when you faced a significant challenge in your career?"
• Specific example: "What was the inspiration behind your latest book?"

Also, consider the flow of your questions. Start with broader topics and gradually narrow down to more specific areas. This approach makes the interview feel like a natural conversation rather than a rigid Q&A session.

Setting the Right Tone

Interviews can vary greatly in tone depending on the context and the relationship between the interviewer and the interviewee. Decide on the tone you want to set: formal, informal, friendly, or professional. The tone will influence your choice of questions, the setting, and even the language you use.

For instance, a formal interview with a high-profile business executive might require a more structured approach, whereas an informal chat with a local artist could afford a more relaxed, conversational style.

Conducting the Interview

Creating a Comfortable Environment

The setting of the interview can significantly affect the outcome. Choose a location where both you and the interviewee will feel comfortable. This could be their office, a quiet café, or even a virtual meeting space if you're conducting the interview online.

• Ensure the location is free from distractions and noise.
• Set up audio or video recording equipment discreetly, ensuring it's working properly without making the interviewee feel uneasy.
• Offer a drink or a brief chat to break the ice and make the interviewee feel at ease.

Listening Actively

Active listening is crucial during an interview. It shows respect for the interviewee and can lead to unexpected insights or follow-up questions. Pay attention to not just what is said, but how it's said—the tone, pauses, and emphasis can all provide additional layers of meaning.

• Nod or provide small verbal acknowledgments to show you're engaged.
• Avoid interrupting unless it's absolutely necessary to steer the conversation back on track.
• Make notes of interesting points or potential follow-up questions.

Being Flexible

While it's important to have a plan, be ready to deviate from it if the conversation takes an interesting turn. Some of the best insights can come from unexpected directions, and being too rigid with your questions can stifle this spontaneity.

• If the interviewee mentions something intriguing, don't be afraid to explore it further, even if it wasn't on your original list of questions.
• Keep an eye on the time, but be willing to extend the interview if both parties are willing and the conversation is fruitful.

Transcribing the Interview

Choosing the Right Method

Once the interview is complete, transcription is the next step. Decide whether you'll transcribe the interview yourself, use software, or hire a professional service. Each method has its pros and cons.

• Manual Transcription: This is time-consuming but allows you to become intimately familiar with the material, often leading to better editing later.
• Software Transcription: Tools like Otter.ai or Rev can speed up the process, but they may require manual corrections for accuracy.
• Professional Services: These are accurate but can be costly, making them more suitable for important or lengthy interviews.

Structuring the Transcript

A well-structured transcript is crucial for easy reference during the writing process. Organize the transcript by question and answer, and include timestamps if possible. This structure will help you quickly locate specific parts of the conversation when you're writing.

• Divide the text into sections based on the flow of conversation.
• Highlight key quotes or sections that stand out to you.
• Note any non-verbal cues that are relevant, like laughter or pauses.

Writing the Interview

Finding the Angle

Now that you have a transcript, it's time to find the angle for your piece. What is the overarching theme or message you want to convey? This will guide the structure and tone of your writing.

• Review the transcript and look for recurring themes or particularly compelling quotes.
• Consider what your audience would find most interesting or valuable about the interview.
• Decide whether to write in a narrative format, a Q&A style, or a combination of both.

Crafting a Compelling Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for the rest of your piece. It should grab the reader's attention and provide context for the interview. You might introduce the interviewee, mention why they're relevant to your audience, or highlight a surprising fact or quote from the conversation.

Example:

When Jane Doe started her career as a software developer, she never imagined she would one day lead a team at one of the world’s top tech companies. In this interview, she shares her journey from coding newbie to industry leader, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs along the way.

Using Quotes Effectively

Quotes are the heart of any interview piece, so use them wisely. They should illustrate key points and add authenticity to your writing. However, avoid overloading your piece with long quotes; instead, weave them into your narrative to maintain a smooth flow.

• Introduce quotes with context or commentary to explain their relevance.
• Use ellipses (...) to condense long quotes without losing meaning.
• Be selective and choose only the most impactful quotes that advance your narrative.

Maintaining Flow and Structure

A well-structured interview piece guides the reader smoothly from one point to the next. If you're writing in a narrative style, use transitions to connect ideas and maintain a logical progression.

• Use subheadings to break up long sections and guide the reader.
• Ensure each paragraph or section leads naturally into the next.
• Keep your audience in mind and aim for clarity, avoiding industry jargon unless absolutely necessary.

Incorporating Personal Insights

As the writer, your voice is an essential part of the piece. Feel free to include your own observations or reflections to add depth and context. This personal touch can make the piece more relatable and engaging.

• Share your impressions of the interviewee or the conversation.
• Offer insights or connections that might not be immediately apparent to the reader.
• Balance your voice with the interviewee's, ensuring they remain the focal point.

Editing and Revising

Reviewing for Clarity and Coherence

Editing is where your piece really comes together. Focus on clarity and coherence, ensuring that your writing is easy to follow and free from errors.

• Read your piece aloud to catch awkward phrasing or unclear sections.
• Check for consistency in tone and style throughout the article.
• Verify any facts or figures mentioned in the interview to ensure accuracy.

Getting Feedback

Before finalizing your piece, consider getting feedback from a colleague or friend. A fresh pair of eyes can provide valuable insights and catch mistakes you might have missed.

• Ask for specific feedback on the flow, tone, and engagement of your piece.
• Be open to constructive criticism and willing to make necessary changes.
• Remember that, ultimately, you have the final say in how your piece is presented.

Finalizing the Piece

Once you’ve made your edits, take a final pass to ensure everything is polished and ready for publication. Pay attention to the finer details like formatting, punctuation, and any necessary metadata or tags if you're publishing online.

• Double-check the spelling of names and titles.
• Ensure all quotes are correctly attributed and accurately transcribed.
• Format your piece for the intended platform, whether it’s print or digital.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a compelling interview article is no small feat, but with these steps, you're well on your way to transforming a simple conversation into a captivating story. Whether you're highlighting an individual's achievements or delving into a complex topic, the skills you've honed in writing interviews will serve you well across various writing projects. And remember, if you ever need assistance in drafting or editing your interviews, Spell can help you create polished, professional content quickly and easily.