How to interview someone
Interviewing someone is to draw out a person’s story during a short period of time. Sometimes the story is used for a publication, but sometimes used to get a better understanding of the person.
The first principle is to establish rapport by giving something of oneself in the beginning of the interview. Share a personal story, fact, or even mistake. Show that there is a human on the other side of the table.
The second principle is to be fascinated by the interviewee’s life for the duration of the interview. During the interview, find the stories and facts that are surprising or novel, and continue to ask and be fascinated. Lean into finding something no one has found before.
The third principle is to be the dummy. If a term is unfamiliar, ask what it means. If the logic does not sound correct, ask. Do not let pride get in the way of understanding.
