15 Interviewing Tips

Setting Up:

1. Good lighting and sound are key: LOOK AND LISTEN CAREFULLY
2. Source light should always be BEHIND YOU when looking at your interviewee
3. Use a tripod
4. Use headphones to listen for sounds and turn off noises that you can control
5. Use the “rule of thirds” (Watch a video on the rule of thirds)
6. Keep your subject in a medium to medium close-up shot
7. Don’t move camera or zoom unless absolutely necessary

The Interview:

8. First question: Informed Consent – “Do you give your consent to be filmed for this interview?”
9. Second question: INTRODUCTION and ask them to say and spell their name and affiliation (i.e. organization)
10. Make sure all your questions are OPEN ENDED (not yes or no) and have your subject answer in COMPLETE SENTENCES (tell them to do so if you have to)
11. Prepare a list of questions beforehand – and ask them all
12. Don’t interrupt your interviewee – unless essential
13. Ask the interviewee “Is there anything you’d like to add?”
14. Keep silent during an interview
15. Log your interview and mark your tape(s)