What’s the Best Way to Interview Someone?
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I enjoy interviewing people. It’s not what I enjoy most about producing content, though. If you look back in my archives, you’ll see a lot of my early stuff was all interviews, done strictly in audio format. I get asked frequently to be interviewed. I make a horrible interview. I never stay on topic for long, so I hate giving them. I’d rather have an open discussion. I think discussions are more interesting for others to listen to, the whole ebb and flow of conversation. I don’t think I’m the world’s worst interviewer, but I’m always picking up new tips and tricks.
I got an email from Libby, who recently landed a new job as an Interviewer. She was asking me if I had any tips on how to be a successful interviewer. I’m not some succesful anything. I’m just a Geek… I’m just Chris. I’m a talker. That’s just what I do. My ’style’ when it comes to interacting with others is very casual. People feel more relaxed when they don’t feel like they’re on the spot, so to speak. Be very cognizant that the more conversational you make the interview, the better.
Every interview will be different. Some people are more open, while others are closed up. Some people, you may have to lead. I like talking to people… that’s what I think makes a great interviewer. You have to really like to talk to people, get to know them and what makes them tick. The bottom line is, you’re trying to capture a moment in time. You may have a list of questions in your head or on paper. Be prepared, but not overly so. Listen more to what the person is saying. You may get questions on the fly that will turn out far better than whatever you had planned to ask. Being an excellent listener is key to leading a good interviewer. Interviewers should do more listening than talking. I know many of us tend to interrupt too much, and that’s a pitfall of what we do.
When I’m interviewing someone, I’m doing it for myself, as well as my audience. I’d much rather be part of a discussion, instead of a one-way conversation. It’s just more dynamic this way, more interesting to anyone who may be watching/listening/reading. If you’re comfortable with your style and yourself, the person you are interviewing will be more comfortable, as well. That’s why I feel so strongly about trying to have an open discussion, rather than sticking hard and fast to a set question list.
It all boils down to finding your own style and making it work for you. Be comfortable with what you’re doing. Most importantly… have fun!
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16 Comments
Professional Online Publishing: New Media Trends, Communication Skills, Online Marketing
March 24th, 2008
at 9:47am
Chris PirilloWhat’s the Best Way to Interview Someone?I enjoy interviewing people. It’s not what I enjoy most about producing content, though. If you look back in my archives, you’ll see a lot of my early stuff was all interviews, done strictly in audio format. I get asked frequently to be …
Professional Online Publishing: New Media Trends, Communication Skills, Online Marketing
March 24th, 2008
at 9:47am
Chris PirilloWhat’s the Best Way to Interview Someone?I enjoy interviewing people. It’s not what I enjoy most about producing content, though. If you look back in my archives, you’ll see a lot of my early stuff was all interviews, done strictly in audio format. I get asked frequently to be …
Windows Vista Torrent
March 24th, 2008
at 5:23am
Tech InterviewsWhat?s the Best Way to Interview Someone?What?s Your Favorite Keyboard? His name is Earl: A Lifestreaming Geek with Cerebral Palsy How to Switch Operating Systems: Linux, Windows, OS X What Advice do you Give to Young Programmers?
desi22601
March 23rd, 2008
at 2:33pm
i remember my interviews, nice vid chris
Nakas99
March 23rd, 2008
at 2:40pm
you call yourself Chris and you are a GEEK LEGEND!!!
marctc3
March 23rd, 2008
at 2:48pm
lol
zuesefl
March 23rd, 2008
at 2:50pm
I am Chris Pirillo hear me stream!
savemejebuses
March 23rd, 2008
at 2:52pm
im num. 5!!!!! too bad
dillj34555
March 23rd, 2008
at 3:17pm
I had to interview people for a class project, it was not a fun experience for me. If I ever have to do it again, at least I will be better prepaired to do it.
Driden
March 23rd, 2008
at 3:32pm
Top 5’s are boring, I prefer when you go on in deep explanation trying to cover all the angles of a topic
bellsmeg
March 24th, 2008
at 12:49am
the interview with Micheal Tsarion was good
Matt Sledge
March 23rd, 2008
at 11:04pm
Right – the worst interviews are the ones that stick to a set list of questions, and don’t bother to pick up on what the interviewee has said that could lead to an even better question than hat was initially prepared.
An interviewer HAS to be quick on their feet to make a great interview.
Kyle_vdk
March 24th, 2008
at 5:23pm
I think i would rather just questions, less dissolution-ish.
I want to be an interviewee or an interviewer It would actually be pretty cool, i hope to start a live stream, and I want to start off strong, with some good and fun stuff.
~Kyle_vdk
mbuckingham24
March 25th, 2008
at 11:17am
Most Top 5’s aren’t “boring”, so much. I agree I like Chris’s tips, discussions, and overall personal interaction also. We need to ask more good, open for discussion, questions that Chris can answer in this fashion. Send said questions to chris @ pirillo . com !
sonypsp0009
March 27th, 2008
at 3:29am
I love the top 5’s and the discussions.
christopherguindon
April 3rd, 2008
at 5:18am
yeah i agree, we learn with both! top 5’s are more practical…