When working on a writing project that requires an interview, whether for a business, a press release, a newsletter, or even for your school homework, it's very important to be organized and take your writing project serious.* Get to the point: Time is of the essence when it comes to interviewing prominent personnel. Their time is valuable and you will want to use your time wisely. If you're on a ten to fifteen minute time limit ask only those questions which will support the main reason for your interview.
* Never ask a 'yes or no' question: This type of question will end the answer in an instant. Some examples of 'yes or no' questions begin with the words Are or Did. For example: Are you...? Did you...?
* Always ask 'open ended' questions: Open ended questions allow your interviewee to elaborate on their answer. Open ended questions always begin with the all important, what, why, where, how, when, or who. For example: What are your plans for the...?
* Always review your own questions for clarity: Before the interview, make sure you can read your own questions whether written or typed. The last thing you want to do is stumble over your own questions, you're already nervous as it is.
* Ask for clarification: Don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand an answer. For example, if a word comes up you don't understand, ask for the meaning or restate the phrase the way you understood it.
* Assume nothing when it comes to jargon: Never assume you know what an unfamiliar word means. The same word in pharmacology may have a totally different meaning in technology. Listen for its use in context and be honest; say you're not familiar with that term.
* Always review your notes before ending your interview: Review is important just in case you missed some important technicality like a date, place, person, or a business name.
* Make sure you always send a thank you note or card for the interviewee's time. This will let them know that you understand their time is valuable and the interview was important.
These interviewing tips will help guide you through a successful interviewing process for your writing project. These points boil down to being prepared and taking your writing project serious. By following these tips you will look more professional and it will do wonders for your communication skills.
Krystalina Soash is a freelance writer specializing in article writing. Her writing services include: proofreading, editing, and ghostwriting. You may visit her at http://writingforyounow.com/
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