Why you need to interview experts
Interviews with experts are a powerful tool for gaining valuable insights, unique perspectives, and deep insights into complex topics. Whether it’s journalism, blog content, or research, talking to a professional in your field can add weight and credibility to your project. Experts can share experiences, provide practical advice, and uncover nuances that are not readily available in public sources. However, to make the interview successful and useful, it’s important to approach the process with careful preparation and understanding of key principles. In this article, we’ll discuss how to organize and conduct an expert interview to get the most useful information.
Preparation for the interview: the first steps
The first and perhaps most important step is preparation, which means that without it, even the most experienced interviewer may face awkward pauses, inappropriate questions, or wasted time. Preparation begins with defining the purpose of the interview. Ask yourself: what exactly do you want to know? It can be explaining a complex topic, getting an opinion on a topical issue, or collecting unique data. A clear goal will help you build a structure of the conversation and avoid unnecessary backsliding.
Next, you need to look at the expert, and you need to know about their professional experience, achievements, publications, or talks, and not only will it help you to get relevant questions, but it will also show them that you’re serious about the conversation, for example, if you’re talking to a scientist, you need to look at their latest research or research, if you’re an entrepreneur, you need to look at their company history, and it creates a trusting environment and open dialogue.
How to Choose the Right Expert
Choosing an expert is not just about finding someone with a big name. It’s important that their knowledge and experience fit the topic of your interview. Determine what competencies you need. If you’re writing about new technologies, you’ll need someone in the field, not just a popular person. Seek experts through professional networks, academia, peer recommendations, or even social media. Don’t be afraid to reach out to lesser-known professionals, sometimes they’re more open to communication and can offer a fresh perspective.
Question-making: The Art of Accuracy
Questions are the basis of any interview. The quality of the interview determines how meaningful and useful the conversation will be. Try to avoid overly general or obvious questions that can be answered with simple yes or no. Instead, formulate open-ended questions that encourage the expert to share their thoughts and experiences. For example, instead of «Do you like your work?», it is better to ask «What inspires you in your professional work?»
It’s also important to structure questions. Start with easier, more general topics to get the person talking and to make contact. Gradually move on to more complex and specific aspects. Be sure to prepare a few backup questions in case the expert answers too briefly or leads the conversation the other way. However, be flexible: sometimes the most interesting moments arise from spontaneous answers, so don’t be afraid to step away from the plan if it’s appropriate.
What to Avoid When Formulating Questions
There are a few mistakes that can ruin the interview experience. First, avoid leading questions that push the expert to a certain answer. This can look like an attempt at manipulation. Second, don’t ask too many questions at once, it can confuse and confuse the interlocutor. And finally, try not to use professional jargon unless you are sure that the expert will understand it in your context.
Interviewing: Technical and Ethical Aspects
Once you’ve decided on an expert and prepared the questions, it’s important to think about how the interview will go. Decide whether it’s a face-to-face meeting, a video call, or an email. Each format has its own characteristics. Personal conversations allow you to feel the mood of the interlocutor, but require more time and resources. Online format is convenient but can be complicated by technical problems. Correspondence is good for short clarifications, but does not give depth to live communication.
Make sure to agree on a time and place in advance if it’s a face-to-face meeting. Make sure you know how much time the expert is willing to set aside, and stick to that limit. Also be sure to ask permission to record the conversation if you plan to do so. It’s not just a matter of ethics, it’s also a way to protect yourself from possible misunderstandings in the future. Explain what the material will be used for, and clarify whether certain quotes or data can be published.
Creating a comfortable atmosphere
To make the expert feel relaxed, it is important to create a friendly and respectful atmosphere. Start the conversation with a little informal conversation to relieve tension. Smile, take a sincere interest in the words of the interlocutor and avoid unnecessary formality. If the person feels that you really want to hear his opinion, he will be more open and candid. Also watch body language: do not cross your hands, do not be distracted by the phone and maintain eye contact if appropriate.
Interviewing: Active listening and flexibility
Your job in an interview is not just to ask questions, but to listen actively, which means not just waiting for your turn to talk, but to delve into what the expert is saying. Nod, clarify if something is unclear, and show that you are involved in the conversation. Sometimes the most valuable thoughts come to the interlocutor during the dialogue, so do not be afraid to ask additional questions, even if they were not planned.
Be prepared for the interview to go wrong, the expert to evade the topic, give an unexpected answer, or even refuse to discuss certain issues, in such cases it is important to remain calm and flexible, try to smoothly return the conversation to the right direction or switch to another topic, the main thing is not to push or create discomfort.
After the interview: Material processing
When the conversation is over, the work is not finished. First of all, review your notes or listen to the audio to make sure that nothing is missed. If there are uncertain points, contact the expert for clarification, but do this only when absolutely necessary, so as not to waste his time. Also, remember to thank the interlocutor for participating — it is not only a matter of politeness, but also a way to maintain a good relationship for possible cooperation in the future.
When processing material, try to maintain the style and intonation of the expert, especially if you plan to publish direct quotes. However, do not be afraid to edit the text for greater clarity, if it does not distort the meaning of what is said. If the interview is intended for publication, be sure to coordinate the finished material with the expert to avoid mistakes or misunderstanding. This is especially important if it is about complex or controversial topics where accuracy is crucial.
How to use the information received
The data you get can be used in a variety of ways, in articles, podcasts, videos, or even as a basis for further research. It’s important that the information is presented in context and fits the purpose you set for the interview. Remember to identify the source when you quote an expert and highlight their contribution to your material. It’s not only a show of respect, but also a way to increase audience trust in your content.
Useful Tips for a Successful Interview
To draw a line under all of this, here are some practical tips to help make your interview more effective:
- Always check the equipment before recording to avoid technical failures.
- Don’t be afraid to pause in conversation – sometimes they give the expert time to think and formulate a deeper answer.
- Be brief in your questions so as not to distract the interlocutor with long prefaces.
- Avoid arguing or imposing your opinion – your job is to listen, not prove your point.
- Always keep an interview plan on hand, but don’t follow it blindly – be prepared to improvise.
Interviewing experts is a skill that requires practice and attention to detail. The more you work on yourself, the easier it will be to connect with people, gain valuable knowledge and create quality content. Remember that every conversation is an opportunity not only to learn something new, but also to establish professional connections that may come in handy in the future. So approach this process with interest and respect, and the result will be sure to come.