Technical Writing - Emergency Management Institute

UNIT 2: RESEARCH IN COMMUNICATIONS
Interviews
Identify people who are knowledgeable about your topic and interview them. The
advantage is you can gain in-depth information and discover material that may be
unique compared to other sources. A disadvantage is the scheduling and preparation for
the interview. An alternate approach is to conduct interviews by phone.
Ask concise questions and allow the interviewee do the majority of the talking. Listening
skills are important during these opportunities. Take extensive notes to avoid relying on
your memory of the session. Recording interviews is another method for capturing
needed information. Always ask permission of the interviewee first before recording an
interview.
Consider a job interview you have participated in.
What questions were asked?
What types of information were you asked to provide?
A job interview represents a potential employer conducting research on an employee
prospect.
How would you prepare to conduct an interview?
How would you prepare to be interviewed?
Interviewing confidence comes from arming yourself with a foundation of knowledge on
your subject. You can gain higher level information in the interview if you can
demonstrate you know the basics. Interviewees will be less likely to lose patience if they
do not have to “teach you the ropes”.
IS-613 Technical Writing Page 2.7