The Anatomy of a Great Interview

This fall, StoryCorps and Facing History are once again bringing The Great Thanksgiving Listen to students around the country. Young people can take the opportunity to listen to stories from their loved ones by having meaningful conversations and practicing critical listening skills.  

Everybody has a story worth telling, but getting someone to open up and tell their story generally requires more than just asking questions. Here are some helpful tips on how to conduct a great interview with someone you love. These tips will make sure you create a memorable experience while learning something new—and maybe even something surprising.

Preparation:

Let your interviewee know beforehand why you would like to talk to them and come with questions prepared, but also be prepared to go off script and follow the conversation where it leads. Remember to find a quiet, private space for your time together.

Getting started:

Ask warm up questions to make your interview partner feel comfortable and to ease into the conversation. Starting example questions: ”Where were you born?” “Who did you grow up with?” “What is your favorite memory from your childhood?”

Build trust and rapport:

• Listening may appear to be a simple act, but it is often very hard to do. Try to listen carefully to what your interviewee says and how they say it. You might discover a topic, feeling, or subject that you want to explore further.
• Follow-up a usual turn of phrase or a memorable response by asking “what” questions. “What did you mean by that?” or “What happened next?”
• Be conversational. Don’t be afraid to offer one of your own favorite memories about the person. This will ensure that the experience is relaxed and enjoyable for both of you.

Reflect together:

• Repeat events back to your interviewee in your own words, giving your guest a chance to affirm that a story is correct or incorrect. This way, they have a chance to clarify in greater detail or add a new element.
• Don’t run away from silence! Often we’re tempted to fill a long pause during an interview, but if you wait, and allow your conversation partner to really think about what they want to say, you may end up hearing your interview’s best moment!

Wrap it up:

• Plan some closing questions that help to summarize the conversation you had and its major themes: “What advice would you give to a new parent?” Or, “Looking back after the war, what lessons would you want future generations to know?”
• Be grateful and thank your partner for sharing their life with you!

Below you'll find more resources to help you conduct the best interview you can with your loved one.

Facing History Resources:

• Two-Minute Interview: Use this teaching strategy to help students be active listeners.
• Studs Terkel Interview with Virginia Foster Durr.

StoryCorps Resources:

• Check out this lesson about effective interviewing.
• Watch interview tips from NPR's host of Morning Edition, Steve Inskeep.