SiteYou Ask, We Answer: How can I get over my interview jitters?
Tiffani asks: “Tomorrow I’m interviewing someone I am a big fan of, and I want to make sure I keep it together and don’t look totally unprofessional or silly. Any tips on handling the nervousness and getting a good interview?”
I know how you feel: tomorrow I’ll be interviewing two big-name authors — in person — and I want to make sure I come off as a professional and not a slobbering fan!
The best way to beat the jitters is to be prepared. Write up a good list of questions by asking other people you know what they would like to know about your interview subject. Re-read the subject’s bio, study his or her website, and take some time to refresh yourself on the subject’s works (books, music, whatever). Arrive at the interview armed with your recorder, camera, laptop (if you have one), list of questions, notebook, pens, and extra batteries.
Is this interview in person? If so, I’d dress in a neat and professional way without going overboard (i.e., no need for suit and pumps).
Don’t run through your list of questions like a robot, but use your questions as jumping-off points to help guide the interview. Stay open for cues during the conversation that lead naturally to other questions.
It may help to record the interview instead of trying to get everything down on paper (or your computer) as you talk. I transcribe interviews as they happen if I’m familiar with the topic (such as nutrition), but if the topic is challenging, I rely on my recorder so I can pay more attention to the flow of conversation.
Finally, be yourself! Most interview subjects are pleasant people who are happy to be interviewed. They’re not judging you — chances are, they’re worrying about how they’ll look to you! After all, they’re the ones whose quotes from this interview will be featured in a magazine for the world to read.
Good luck!
If anyone else has interview tips for Tiffani, please post them in the comments!
Have a question for the Renegade Writers? E-mail it to questions [at] therenegadewriter [dot] com. [lf]
10 Responses to “You Ask, We Answer: How can I get over my interview jitters?”
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Rachel
Said this on February 19th, 2007 at 12:34pm:I read tons of previous articles, if possible. See what the slant has been and kind of get an idea to all those “basic” answers that people probably tend to ask all the time.
That way, I don’t waste too much time asking things they’ve probably been asked a zillion times.
Tiffani
Said this on February 19th, 2007 at 12:42pm:Thank you so much for the quick reply! I feel much better now because I have done everything you mentioned. Whew! Now I just need to relax, wait for the phone call tomorrow and enjoy the conversation.
Holly
Said this on February 19th, 2007 at 2:56pm:I also try to ask the person I’m interviewing what they would like to talk about. The subject may have a side project that they don’t get to publicize and it can open a whole new area of questions. Plus, it gives you some more insight into the person (if you’re interviewing a millionaire about his business and he wants to talk about his new baby, for example) and I think it helps them relax since they get to talk about something fun.
Steve
Said this on February 20th, 2007 at 11:53am:One habit I have for my interviews, is to reintroduce myself and tell them what publication I’m working for followed by the same “How’s it going?” I’d give to my deli guy, super, UPS driver or any other “regular” person I’d run into throughout my day.
Often with celebrities and other sources arranged through publicists, you’re just a time slot on a person’s schedule. They don’t know your name or who you’re working for — just that they have to be ready for a call at noon PST.
So, getting that introduction out of the way prevents you from becoming the disembodied voice of journalism on the other end of a 2,000-mile phone line. And starting off with, “How’s your day going?” instead of “I saw your movie and really enjoyed it” helps keep the footing casual — and, more importantly, even — from the get-go. I find that 30 seconds of small talk at the outset helps put me, and the source, at ease pretty quickly.
Tiffani
Said this on February 20th, 2007 at 3:14pm:Just wanted to give you an update. The interview went really well–45 minutes over the phone! My subject was friendly, talkative, funny and had lots of good stuff to say.
Thanks again!
Liz
Said this on February 20th, 2007 at 3:35pm:Hi Linda and Diana, I’ve just tagged you for the meme that’s making the rounds - ‘5 reasons why I blog’. It’s okay if you don’t want to play, but thought it would be interesting to hear why you blog. Cheeers, Liz
Melissa
Said this on February 20th, 2007 at 5:01pm:I think having a good (but flexible) list of questions is one of the most important things, and I always like to wrap up with “Is there anything else you’d like to tell me?” Sometimes I get great material that way.
I am a big fan of recording, but unless it’s physically impossible to take notes as well (like walking around a construction site with six people), I like to take notes both to get other things like gesture and as a backup if the tape fails.
mfj
Said this on February 21st, 2007 at 8:05am:Not sure about the laptop suggestion. Just more kit to carry and a distraction for the subject.
Also, at the risk of sounding counterintuitive, don’t be too afraid to let a little nervousness or uncertainty show - as long as you have a clear set of questions that you’re willing to pursue intelligently. For mine, how you come across isn’t the main game, the important thing is to get usable information.
Hey… it worked for Peter Falk.
LindaFormichelli
Said this on February 22nd, 2007 at 10:30am:Thanks to everyone who posted advice!
Tiffani, that’s great that your interview went so well. Congratulations!
Liz, I’m sorry we can’t participate in the meme — Diana’s on vacation, and I have five articles due by the end of the month. I think I’m about to go insane! But thanks so much for thinking of us.
HisGirlFriday
Said this on February 27th, 2007 at 11:22am:A little late here but just wanted to add my 2 cents;
I interviewed Laurie Berkner (children’s musician) and if you have a preschooler you’ll understand that she’s like Jesus in my house. I actually just admitted that “You know it’s so wierd for me to be talking to you - I’m sure you get this all the time but you’re like a god to us … ” and laughed and she laughed and we kinda just chatted like girlfriends for a minute. I think it helped me relax
I don’t think I’d do that with, say, Al Gore or Brad Pitt but …
Also; Melissa - I also do that “is there anything else you think I forgot to ask,” and I often get my “money quote” …
Glad to hear that the interview went well and you got over your nerves!