Are you aiming to inform your audience about a complex issue, entertain them with engaging stories, inspire them with motivational narratives, or persuade them to take specific actions? By delineating your objectives, you not only provide direction for your interview but also refine your criteria for selecting the ideal interview subject and interviewee.

Your purpose not only guides your choice of interviewees but also influences the tone, format, and style of your interview. For instance, if your goal is to inform, you may prioritise subject matter experts, while for entertainment, you might focus on charismatic and humorous individuals. Understanding your purpose is the foundational step in creating a meaningful and impactful interview.

Example: If you’re a podcast host aiming to entertain your audience with funny anecdotes, you might choose a comedian as your interview subject and someone with a great sense of humour as your interviewee.

Identifying Your Target Audience

Consider your target audience’s preferences, interests, and needs. What topics or individuals are most relevant and appealing to them? Tailoring your interview subject and interviewee to your audience’s preferences can lead to higher engagement and satisfaction.

To maximize the effectiveness of your interview, it’s crucial to consider the preferences, interests, and needs of your target audience. Think about what topics or individuals resonate most with your audience and align your interview subject and interviewee accordingly. Tailoring your choices to your audience’s preferences can enhance engagement, satisfaction, and the overall impact of your interview.

Your target audience’s demographics, psychographics, and interests should guide your decision-making process. Conducting surveys, analysing audience feedback, and studying industry trends can help you gain valuable insights into what your audience desires. Remember that a well-matched interviewee can make your content more relatable and compelling to your viewers or listeners.

Example: If you’re a human resource manager conducting interviews for a tech company, your target audience is likely tech-savvy individuals. Choosing an interview subject related to the latest tech trends and an interviewee with expertise in the field would be ideal.

Researching Potential Interviewees

Thoroughly research potential interviewees. Look at their background, qualifications, experience, and previous interviews they’ve participated in. This research will help you gauge their suitability for your interview.

Before finalising your selection, invest time in thorough research on potential interviewees. Examine their educational background, professional qualifications, relevant experience, and any previous interviews or public appearances they’ve been a part of. This research ensures that you choose interviewees who not only align with your purpose but also possess the credibility and expertise needed to add value to your interview.

When researching potential interview subjects, look for unique angles or perspectives they can bring to the conversation. Identifying their strengths and weaknesses can help you craft insightful questions and navigate the interview effectively. A well-prepared interviewer is better equipped to guide the conversation towards valuable insights.

Example: If you’re a journalist covering environmental issues, researching scientists, activists, or policymakers with a strong track record in environmental advocacy would be a wise choice for interviewees.

Balancing Expertise and Relatability

Finding the right balance between expertise and relatability is crucial. Your interviewee should be knowledgeable about the subject matter, but they should also be able to convey their insights in a way that resonates with your audience.

Achieving the right balance between expertise and relatability is pivotal in selecting an interviewee. While your interviewee should be knowledgeable about the subject matter, they should also possess the communication skills to convey complex ideas in a way that resonates with your audience. An ideal interviewee can bridge the gap between expertise and accessibility, making the content both informative and engaging.

In addition to expertise and relatability, consider the interviewee’s ability to tell a compelling story or provide practical takeaways. An interviewee who can distil complex concepts into digestible, real-world advice can significantly enhance the value of your interview, making it more memorable and actionable for your audience.

Example: If you’re conducting a parenting podcast, your interviewee could be a child psychologist who can translate complex research into practical advice that parents can understand and apply.

Diverse perspectives can lead to more nuanced discussions and help you explore different facets of a topic. When selecting interviewees, think about how their unique experiences or viewpoints can contribute to a well-rounded and inclusive conversation. Embracing diversity in your interviews can also foster empathy and understanding among your audience.

Example: If you’re a researcher studying the impact of technology on society, interviewing a range of subjects, including students, senior citizens, and tech entrepreneurs, can offer diverse insights.

Assessing Availability and Accessibility

Consider the availability and accessibility of your chosen interviewee or interview subject. Will they be willing and able to participate in your interview within your desired timeframe?

Consider the practical aspects of your chosen interviewee or subject. Are they available and accessible within your desired timeframe? Ensure that your interviewee is willing and able to participate, especially if your interview involves scheduling constraints or remote participation.

Effective communication and logistical planning are essential when assessing availability and accessibility. Clear communication about expectations, timelines, and any technical requirements can help streamline the interview process. In some cases, you might need to consider backup options or contingency plans in case of unforeseen challenges.

Example: If you’re a researcher planning to conduct in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals during a pandemic, ensure that your interviewees have the necessary time and resources to participate remotely.

Conducting Pre-Interviews

Before finalising your choice, conduct pre-interviews or discussions with potential interviewees. This step allows you to gauge their communication skills, enthusiasm, and compatibility with your interview style.

Before making your final selection, engage in pre-interviews or discussions with potential interviewees. This preliminary step allows you to gauge their communication skills, enthusiasm, and compatibility with your interview style. It also provides an opportunity to clarify expectations and set the tone for the interview.

Pre-interviews are a valuable tool for ensuring a smooth and successful interview experience. They allow you to establish rapport, assess the interviewee’s comfort level with the format, and address any concerns or special considerations. Effective pre-interviews can contribute to a more relaxed and authentic on-air or on-camera performance.

Example: If you’re a podcast host, arranging a brief pre-interview chat with a potential guest can help you assess their ability to engage with your audience effectively.

Recommendations can provide a shortcut to identifying qualified interviewees, particularly in fields or industries where you may not have extensive personal connections. Cultivate a network of trusted sources and collaborators who can offer suggestions based on their expertise and experiences. Collaboration and collective wisdom can elevate the quality of your interviews.

Example: If you’re a human resource manager looking to hire a key employee, seeking input from team members and trusted colleagues can lead to better interviewee selection.

Adapting to Changing Circumstances

Lastly, be prepared to adapt your interviewee or interview subject selection as circumstances evolve. Flexibility is key, especially in dynamic fields where topics and trends can change rapidly.

In dynamic fields where topics and trends can change rapidly, be prepared to adapt your interviewee or subject selection as circumstances evolve. Flexibility is key to staying relevant and responsive to the shifting landscape of your domain. Embrace change as an opportunity to provide fresh and timely content to your audience.

Stay vigilant about emerging trends, breaking news, and shifts in public interest. Being proactive and adaptable allows you to pivot quickly and maintain the relevance of your interviews. Consider establishing a contingency plan or maintaining a list of potential backup interviewees to navigate unexpected changes smoothly.

Example: If you’re a journalist covering breaking news, your interviewee selection may need to change quickly to reflect the evolving story.