Notes on Interviewing Techniques from Doc V&V

Some suggestions to keep in mind for project #2

• Ask questions that require full statements, not “yes” or “no” responses.
• Start with the easier questions, work your way up to the harder ones.
• Try to get your interviewee to tell you stories about what happened, not just give opinions about issues.
• Choose a proper location– the setting will give context, but if you can’t hear your character, or there’s distracting ambiance, better to move.
• Make your character feel at ease, but be careful that they don’t start answering questions before the recorder is rolling.
• Remind your character want you want from them in broad terms. 
• Let your character know you will be editing it down, so they can rephrase a statement.
• Make sure to record your own voice on a separate mic if you plan on using it in the film.
• Practice having them answer in full sentences, keeping the question in the beginning part of the answer.
• Give nonverbal encouragement by nodding or through facial expressions.
• Prepare a list of questions, but keep it away during the interview process. You want to maintain eye contact for intimacy.
• Listen.
• Ask follow-up questions.
• Ask the character why? to dig deep.
• Resist the temptation to fill in silences too quickly. If you stay silent, your character may fill in the gap with something valuable. Plus, it makes editing easier!