Are you a seasoned journalist or just about to jump into your first interview? Whichever or in between, it’s safe to say you should review these 10 key tips to make your interview as rewarding as possible:

1. Use open questions
2. Ask the subject to answer in a “telling” form. To repeat the question that was asked.
3. Prepare neutral questions. Everyone’s opinion, no personal values should be reflected in the question.
4. Prepare and use follow up questions (as a b-plan if the subject does not respond thoroughly, or if you find that you would like to expand)
5. Ask the same question again if needed
6. Comparative technique – “they do like this, how do you do?”
7. Nod – do not hum. It will interfere with the audio and create unnecessary cuttings/editing.
8. Take 2 seconds extra in between the questions. If you leave a little silence, there is a chance the subject will continue to elaborate on the answer.
9. Don’t badger the subject, do not put them against the wall. Act humble and you will get a more quality answer. Allow the subject to speak. Interrupt politely if/when too lengthy.
10. Inform the subject of the process and what and when they can expect the interview/film to be published.

And as an extra bonus – when you are struggling to get that end-result together and it happens to be a video – something my colleague taught me: If you can’t catch the viewer’s attention within the first 15 seconds – you best not publish it at all.