What are the most effective ways to conduct an esports interview?

To conduct a successful esports interview, ensure you know your subject thoroughly. Research their background, achievements, playstyle, and team dynamics. Familiarize yourself with their opponents and the current gaming meta. This knowledge allows you to formulate relevant and respectful questions, ensuring a meaningful and smooth interview without awkwardness.

Preparation is key. Develop your questions in advance, balancing open-ended and closed-ended queries, and include follow-ups for deeper insights. Be flexible, adapting your questions based on the interview's dynamics, the subject's mood, or feedback received.

In my experience of interviewing at events, time is limited and players aren’t often thrilled to be talking to the media. I try to approach interviews as more of a friendly chat than a “Q&A” style and use humour as much as possible (and appropriate - be aware of how they’re feeling, especially if they just lost a game). They can tell if you’re just waiting for them to finish talking to ask the next question and it’s very off putting. Listen to the answers and make small contributions to the conversation. When interviewing, your subject should be doing the talking, not you. If you can find something you have in common with them, it’s a great place to start but make sure they are the focus.

Establish rapport to make the interviewee feel comfortable, engaged, and cooperative. Use a warm greeting, address them by their preferred name, and express genuine interest. Compliment their performance, and employ humor and empathy when suitable. Avoid criticism or interruption, preserving the rapport for a high-quality interview.

I'd consider taking the first 3 minutes of an interview to get a temperature check of the mood of the interviewee. These questions don't need to be included in the final output, but its a good way to see how your wonderful interviewee is feeling. You might have prepared a banger of a question but it might just not be the best moment, in particular if a player seems particularly beat up about a recent defeat. You can also use the time to get an idea of whether this is someone who is in the mood for a bit of joking around, or if they're here for business only.

Use clear and concise language to enhance communication. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse the subject or the audience. Steer clear of filler words and maintain a professional tone. Speak slowly, clearly, and confidently, utilizing pauses and intonation for emphasis.

If you're interviewing someone whose native language is not English, avoid deliberately overly slowing down as sometimes this can come across as insulting. (Unless they specifically asked you to do so before). Instead adjust your questions to be short and simple, and start with less technical questions first. You can also let them know the topics of the questions ahead of time. (or even have them translated using an AI tool or interpreter in their own language)

Actively listen to your subject. Pay attention to their words, tone, and any underlying messages. Display your attentiveness through non-verbal cues like nods or smiles. Refrain from interrupting or contradicting, fostering an environment where the interviewee feels heard and respected.

End on a positive note. Thank your guest(s) for their time and participation, congratulating them on their achievements. Wish them luck for the future and invite any final thoughts. Close with a gesture appropriate to the interview's tone, whether it's a handshake, hug, or fist bump, reflecting the established level of intimacy and professionalism. It is better to ask before hand if you can shake, hug, or anything. Ask permission first.

Avoid spending too much time trying to remember your questions word for word, especially during the interview. (For example quickly flicking on your phone or staring at a notebook) Focus on being present, if you forget a question or two, it's not the end of the world. Nobody wants to be asked a question and then see the other person looking distracted as they answer!