How can you structure an interview to ensure it flows smoothly?

1 Prepare your questions

Before you start the interview, you should have a clear idea of what you want to learn from your source and what kind of story you want to tell. You should prepare a list of questions that cover the main points, but also leave room for follow-up questions and unexpected insights. You should also do some background research on your source and the topic, so you can ask informed and relevant questions, and avoid asking obvious or inappropriate ones.

3 Follow a logical order

Once you have set the tone, you should follow a logical order for your questions, starting from the general and moving to the specific. You should also use a mix of open-ended and closed-ended questions, depending on the type of information you need and the level of detail you want. Open-ended questions are more likely to elicit longer and richer responses, while closed-ended questions are more useful for confirming facts or clarifying points. You should also use transitions and summaries to connect your questions and guide your source through the interview.

4 Listen actively

One of the most important skills for an interviewer is to listen actively to their source, and not just wait for their turn to speak. Listening actively means paying attention to what your source is saying, as well as how they are saying it, and responding accordingly. You should use verbal and non-verbal cues to show that you are listening, such as nodding, smiling, or saying "uh-huh" or "I see". You should also ask follow-up questions, paraphrase or repeat what they said, or reflect on their emotions or opinions, to show that you understand and empathize with them.

5 Be flexible

While you should have a plan for your interview, you should also be flexible and adaptable to the situation and the source. Sometimes, your source may say something unexpected or interesting that leads you to a different direction or angle for your story. You should be open to exploring these opportunities and deviating from your script, as long as they are relevant and valuable. You should also be prepared to deal with challenges or difficulties, such as your source being reluctant, hostile, or evasive, and use appropriate strategies to overcome them, such as rephrasing, probing, or reassuring.

6 Wrap it up

The last part of the interview is also important for leaving a good impression and closing the conversation on a positive note. You should signal that the interview is coming to an end, by asking if they have anything else to add, or thanking them for their time and cooperation. You should also ask for their contact information, in case you need to follow up or verify anything later. You should also review the main points and key messages of the interview, and ask for their feedback or confirmation. Finally, you should end the interview with a friendly and courteous farewell, and follow up with a thank-you note or email.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?