10 Tips for Conducting a Successful Informant Interview
If you’re a journalist, researcher, or an investigator, interviewing informants is an instrumental part of your work. Gaining information from someone who is close to a particular event, person, or place can be incredibly valuable, as long as it’s done correctly. Here are ten tips to help you conduct successful informant interviews.
1. Know Your Goals
Before you even start an interview, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Do you need information for a news story, a research project, or an investigation? What are your key questions? Knowing your goals can help you prepare and structure your interview.
2. Build Rapport with Your Informant
Establishing a good relationship with your informant can go a long way in gaining their trust and getting valuable information. Begin by introducing yourself and your goals, and try to find some common ground with your informant. Being polite and showing genuine interest in their perspective can help you build rapport.
3. Choose the Right Setting
The environment you choose for your interview can have a big impact on the quality of the information you gather. A private setting with few distractions can encourage your informant to speak freely without fear of reprisal. Avoid using an office or a public place unless it’s necessary.
4. Listen Carefully
Active listening is an essential skill when conducting an informant interview. Pay attention to what your informant is saying, both verbally and nonverbally, and try to understand their perspective. Don’t interrupt them or make assumptions, and ask open-ended questions to encourage them to expand on their answers.
5. Provide Clear Instructions
Make sure your informant knows what’s expected of them in the interview. Explain the interview’s purpose and how you plan to use the information they provide. Offer them a general idea of what you want to discuss, and let them know they can stop or pause the interview if they feel uncomfortable answering a question.
6. Use Non-Threatening Language
The language you use during an interview can affect how comfortable your informant feels, especially if they’re nervous or defensive. Avoid using harsh language, judgmental words, or confrontational tones. Use neutral language instead and avoid leading questions. The goal is to make your informant feel comfortable and safe.
7. Pay Attention to Body Language
Nonverbal cues, such as posture, facial expressions, and gestures, can provide valuable information about your informant. Pay attention to their body language during the interview, and use these cues to determine how to proceed. For example, if they’re looking away or crossing their arms, they may be uncomfortable.
8. Summarize Your Findings
At the end of the interview, summarize the information you’ve gathered and check if you missed anything important. This is also a good time to ask if your informant has anything else to add. Thank them for their time and help, and let them know what you plan to do with the information.
9. Keep Detailed Notes and Records
It’s essential to keep detailed notes and records during an informant interview to prevent misunderstandings or mistakes later. Write down everything your informant says, along with dates, times, and locations. Keep these records in a secure location and only share them with people who are authorized to access them.
10. Respect Your Informant’s Privacy
Finally, respect your informant’s privacy and confidentiality. Don’t share any of the information they provided with unauthorized individuals. Use pseudonyms to protect their identity whenever possible. Informants are often in a position of vulnerability, and it’s crucial to respect their trust and dignity.
Conclusion
Conducting a successful informant interview takes preparation, skill, and attention to detail. These ten tips can help you gather valuable information while also respecting your informant’s privacy and well-being. By establishing good rapport, choosing the right setting, and listening carefully, you can get the information you need while respecting your informant’s dignity and trust.
