Interviewing skills

Definition

Interviewing skills are the abilities and techniques that enable a person to effectively gather information, insights, and personal narratives from subjects during interviews. These skills include active listening, asking open-ended questions, and creating a comfortable environment that encourages subjects to share their stories openly. The mastery of interviewing skills is crucial for building rapport with subjects, which enhances the quality and depth of the information obtained.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Effective interviewing skills help create trust between the interviewer and the subject, allowing for more candid and detailed responses.
2. A good interviewer adapts their style to fit the subject's comfort level, which can lead to richer storytelling.
3. Using open-ended questions encourages subjects to provide more context and depth in their responses, enhancing the narrative.
4. Active listening involves not just hearing words but also understanding emotions behind those words, which can lead to deeper conversations.
5. Building rapport may involve some small talk or sharing a bit about oneself to create a relaxed atmosphere before diving into heavier topics.

Review Questions

• How do effective interviewing skills contribute to building rapport with subjects?
  • Effective interviewing skills are essential for building rapport because they create an atmosphere of trust and comfort. When an interviewer actively listens and asks open-ended questions, subjects feel valued and understood. This openness encourages them to share more personal insights and stories, resulting in a stronger connection between the interviewer and the subject, which ultimately enriches the information gathered.
• Discuss the importance of nonverbal communication in enhancing interviewing skills and building rapport.
  • Nonverbal communication plays a vital role in enhancing interviewing skills as it conveys empathy, understanding, and attentiveness. Positive body language, such as nodding or maintaining eye contact, helps reassure the subject that their words are being heard. By being mindful of nonverbal cues, an interviewer can create a welcoming environment that fosters open dialogue and builds rapport effectively.
• Evaluate how mastering interviewing skills can impact the quality of documentary photography projects.
  • Mastering interviewing skills significantly impacts the quality of documentary photography projects by enriching the narratives behind the images. A skilled interviewer can elicit compelling stories and emotions from subjects that inform visual storytelling. When subjects feel comfortable sharing their experiences, it leads to deeper insights that enhance both the photographic content and the overall message of the project. This connection not only strengthens the documentation but also fosters a sense of authenticity in representing diverse perspectives.

Related terms

Active Listening: The practice of fully concentrating on what is being said during an interview, allowing for better understanding and fostering a connection with the subject.

Open-Ended Questions: Questions that require more than a yes or no answer, prompting subjects to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings.

Nonverbal Communication: The use of body language, facial expressions, and gestures to convey understanding and empathy during an interview.