Interviewing
As a documentary interviewer, how do you prepare your questions? The more interviews I conduct I learn the importance of having great questions – questions that provoke thoughtful responses and personal stories.
In my job, I have the honor of interviewing a lot of doctors. These people are geniuses and never fail to amaze me. They are doing incredible work and making a huge impact on our society. However, they are some of the toughest people I’ve have to interview! There’s nothing like trying to get a doctor to explain a highly technical medical procedure in layman’s terms.
“Instead of ‘lower extremities’ can you say legs? (for the third time)”
The more comfortable they are and the more our interview feels like a conversation… the less jargon and better content.
Here are a few strategies I’ve picked up while interviewing people in the healthcare industry:
1. Know your audience. Is this video going to be viewed by patients or is it for other physicians. Big difference.
2. Have a handful of icebreakers available. I believe the first couple questions in an interview are the most important. These questions set the tone for the rest of the interview and help the interviewee feel comfortable.
For example (with sincere interest), “Have you gone on vacation recently?” … “Oh you have? Where did you go” … “Thats incredible, how was it?”
3. Be encouraging and affirming. I have found it important to let your interviewee know they are doing a great job regardless.
4. Push for personal stories and remind them of their audience. “Would you mind explaining in layman’s terms what “Lower Extremity Revascularization for Peripheral Artery Disease” means?” “How would you explain that to a patient?” “Do you have any stories or examples you could share with me?
5. Do your research and prepare accordingly. When interviewing someone about a complex topic, its important to have a little understanding of what is going to be discussed. Remember, if the video is going to be viewed by patients and you don’t understand the answer… they won’t either.
6. Throw them a curveball. My co-worker Brandon is the master of these questions. I don’t understand where he thinks them up, but he’s good. These questions typically roll off of something the interviewee says. They’re quick, on the spot, almost reactionary, and something the interviewee wouldn’t expect, but provokes an emotional response. I wish I had a good way to explain it or even an example, but I think its something that comes with experience and talent. I’m still trying to learn the mystery.
Remember, interviewing is an art form. There isn’t any one way of interviewing someone. Try something new, take risks, and be confident.
More Posts
Dave Baker
documentary filmmakercreative producer
visual storyteller
Connect
Sites I Follow
