1.
Prepare Questions in Advance Prepare a list of questions prior to the interview, think ahead to possible follow-up questions based on the expected responses.
Create a list of notes along with the questions to keep to hand during the interview and will help you direct the conversation and ensure the interview flows smoothly.
2.
Research Interview Subject Do your homework about the individual or individuals you are interviewing.
Search the internet for the interviewees name, product, or company, and build a background.
If they can send you some information in advance that would be helpful.
Read any blogs, websites, articles that you interviewee may participate in.
All this research will help you create interview questions and anticipate their likely responses.
Which in turn will help with your follow up questions.
Treat your interviewee with respect - An interviewee will quickly pick up on an interviewer who has failed to do their research and may well not provide you with as good as interview you were expecting.
3.
Confirm Pronunciation Confirm the pronunciation of the interviewee's name prior to beginning the interview and any other words or company name pronunciations that may arise during the interview.
It will save you from any potential embarrassment! 4.
Test Test equipment prior to beginning the interview.
Check sound quality, and volume levels to make sure that the settings are correct.
If your interviewee needs to install equipment prior to the interview (such as Skype) make sure they are happy installing and using the equipment.
5.
Thanks Thank your guest on and off air.
Provide them a copy or link to the interview.
Encourage your guest to link to the show, this could potentially bring your show some additional publicity for your show.