Interviewing techniques for writers and authors
Description
Techniques for conducting interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs). Participants have the opportunity to try out their interviewing skills, followed by audience analysis and discussion. This course would be suitable for technical authors who need to interview SMEs to gather information.
Prerequisites
None
Length
1 X 60 minute session
Topics covered
- Preparing for and scheduling meetings
- Interview structure and development: introduction, main body, conclusion
- How to encourage and provide support to your interviewee
- Use of questioning and other techniques to elicit information
- Ways of memorising and recording information from meetings
- Meeting conclusion and follow-up
Tools used
- Videotaped extracts of professional interviewers.
- Videotape sessions
Course materials
- PowerPoint presentation
- Course notes
Practical
Participants have the chance to try out the interviewing skills learnt in the course, followed by peer review and discussion.