By: Dalya GoldbergerPresented by: John Lapoint

Concept First Hurdle Being Prepared During the Interview Conclusion

Interviews with subject-matter experts is a great way to get exposed to new information and material for any research project.

After formulating your own ideas and opinions interviews are a great way to pose these ideas to experts in the form of questions.

Gained knowledge of subject matter.

Getting a subject-matter expert to agree to meet

Be flexible about time and location Be open and honest to the expert on purpose

Be sure to tell the interviewee the type of information you are seeking, your plans and try to answer their questions ahead of time if possible.

Research the subject matter - have background knowledge to avoid stupid questions

Anticipate the direction the interview will take - start with list of questions, use as guide not crutch

Be prepared for mishaps - Bring plenty of pens and batteries

Make the interviewee feel comfortable - extremely important to make interviewee feel comfortable and relaxed, choose a proper place for the interview.

Take the lead in focusing the interview - guide conversation along specific and relevant paths.

Be a good listener - listen to what is on the interviewee’s mind, adjust your way of speaking.

Learn how to read and use body language - observe positive and negative body language, mirror positive body language of the interviewee.

Know when to ask open-ended and leading questions - ask open ended questions to probe for topics and leading questions to narrow the response.

Use lulls in conversation to your advantage - uncomfortable silences are sometimes created use the silence to coax interviewee to elaborate.

As a research method interviewing subject matter experts can enhance a project or create new ideas.

Making the most of an interview takes practice.

By memorizing basic interview skills, you will be able to focus more on content and less on the interview process.