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To be a successful interviewer is not an easy task. It is one of the most difficult skills that a journalist and aspiring talk show host should master. You will not become the next Larry King or Oprah Winfrey overnight. It will take some persistence, preparation and lots of practice for you to become adept at facing the toughest guests such as Vanilla Ice as interviewed on the Jon Stewart Show. Well, maybe not that sort of situation. But you will definitely learn to get the required information.

Research, research and more research

The amount and quality of research that you conduct prior to the interview will ultimately determine how the latter will proceed and whether you will get the information you are after. Good research leads to good questions which yield excellent information.

Next, you should put together a list of questions, based on the direction of the article you wish to write, as well as the missing information you wish to find out. Whatever you do, refrain from asking questions that can be answered with a yes or a no. Ask specific, open-ended questions. An interview is a form of conversation. You’re attempting to make your guests as comfortable as possible. You’re not interrogating them.

It’s a good idea to practice your questions with someone before your interview. It will ensure a smooth, flowing conversation that will seem more natural.

When you’re as ready as can be

You may now contact the person you wish to interview to set up an appointment. Remember that you need something from them and not the other way around. Be polite and courteous, yet persistent.

When the time for interview has come, arrive early, with pen, paper and a recording device such as a dictaphone. Before you press the play button, always ask for permission to record the conversation.

During the interview, stick to your questions as much as possible but remain flexible and allow the conversation to proceed organically. Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewee to repeat things that you did not understand. Listen carefully and make notes about your surroundings as well as the person’s appearance and attitude. This will add an extra dimension to your interview.

Some general guidelines for conducting interviews will help you refine your skills.

After all is said and done

Following the interview, go over your notes and fill in more details, with the help of the recordings. You are now ready to begin writing a first draft of your interview which you will refine a few more times before submitting to your editor.