Unit 4

During the Interview - If you have prepared for the interview, you can focus your attention on the interviewee and the answers to your questions. You will need to control the dynamics of the interview in a professional manner. This means you will control the amount, accuracy and completeness of the information you receive. Politely interrupt if they head in a different direction or didn’t make clear a definition. Control the content and pace as well as the tone of the interview. Use the prepared SME Interview Questions Template (download below) as a guide. Never rush the SME but ease the conversation through your questions, allowing for additional information only if it is relevant. The tome should be upbeat and pleasant. Smile and look interested and nod to let them know you are engaged. For your instructional design project, you will need to define Consider the following tips for conducting a smooth interview:

Induce a relaxed atmoshpere - The most important factor in conducting an interview is to make sure they are at-ease and comfortable. Disarm them by allowing them to state the purpose of the meeting, or share your reasons for conducting the interview. Creating an informal location such as a quiet and private area prevents distractions and interruptions.

Lead the interview and keep focused - A skilled interviewer can easily guide the conversation along specific and relevant paths. Choose when to give the SME and open mike and when to ask questions, when to listen, etc.

Listen to everything the SME says - At the beginning of the interview, encourage the interviewee to talk. Listen to their thoughts connection with subject. Pay attention to how they speak to help you understand when they convey importance or hot issues.

Observe body language - Look for positive and negative body language. Leaning back in a chair with arms resting comfortably may indicate a willingness to share information. An arm folded across the chest may indicate a touchy area and you should change directions.

Embrace pauses - Awkward silences fine as the SME may be in deep thought or care about an answer. Don’t rush them or talk for the sake of talking, smile and let them finish.

Valuing open-ended and leading questions - Open-ended questions encourage allow the SME freedom to talk about their subject. Leading questions require more detailed or specific responses and place certain parameters on the interviewee's answer. Limit open-ended question to the big picture and utilize leading questions for keeping control of the conversation. Only use “yes” or “no” question when you are clarifying what you just heard.