T A D Q I Q O T L A R
jahon ilmiy – metodik jurnali
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ISSN:3030-3613
THE ART OF INTERVIEWING
Rakhimboyeva Oynura Doschanboyevna
9th-grade student at a specialized school under the Agency for Specialized
Educational Institutions
Annotation:
This article explores the art of conducting interviews, focusing on
essential techniques, effective communication skills, and the psychological aspects of
questioning. It provides insights for journalists, researchers, and students on how to
build rapport, ask meaningful questions, and obtain valuable information during
interviews
Аннотация
: В данной статье рассматривается искусство проведения
интервью, акцент делается на ключевых техниках, навыках эффективной
коммуникации и психологических аспектах вопросов. Статья предоставляет
полезные советы для журналистов, исследователей и студентов о том, как
наладить контакт, задавать содержательные вопросы и получать ценную
информацию.
Annotatsiya:
Ushbu maqolada intervyu olish sanʼati yoritilgan bo‘lib, asosiy
uslublar, samarali muloqot ko‘nikmalari va savol berishning psixologik jihatlari haqida
so‘z yuritiladi. Maqola jurnalistlar, tadqiqotchilar va talabalar uchun suhbat davomida
ishonch o‘rnatish, mazmunli savollar berish va foydali maʼlumot olish bo‘yicha
tavsiyalarni taqdim etadi.
Keywords
: interview, communication, questioning techniques, journalism,
interpersonal skills
Ключевые
слова
:
интервью,
коммуникация,
методы
опроса,
журналистика, межличностные навыки
Kalit so‘zlar
: intervyu, muloqot, savol berish usullari, jurnalistika, shaxslararo
ko‘nikmalar
The art of interviewing is a powerful tool used in various fields, including
journalism, academic research, psychology, and even everyday conversations. At its
core, interviewing is not simply about asking questions; it is about creating a
meaningful dialogue that uncovers truths, reveals stories, and builds human
connection.
A successful interview requires more than curiosity—it demands preparation,
active listening, emotional intelligence, and the ability to respond flexibly. An
interviewer must know how to establish trust, read div language, and guide the
conversation in a natural yet purposeful direction.
T A D Q I Q O T L A R
jahon ilmiy – metodik jurnali
https://scientific-jl.com
60-son_1-to’plam_Aprel-2025
328
ISSN:3030-3613
In today’s fast-paced information age, where data is abundant but genuine
human insight is rare, mastering the art of interviewing is more valuable than ever. This
article aims to explore the key principles behind effective interviewing, highlight
common mistakes to avoid, and provide useful strategies that can help anyone become
a better communicator and story-seeker.
The Importance of Preparation.One of the most crucial elements of a successful
interview is thorough preparation. A well-prepared interviewer not only asks better
questions but also creates an atmosphere where the interviewee feels respected and
understood. According to a 2022 study published in the Journalism Studies journal,
78% of professional journalists reported that well-prepared interviews yielded more
accurate and detailed responses compared to unstructured ones. This highlights the
importance of planning ahead—knowing the background of the person being
interviewed, the purpose of the conversation, and the key topics to explore.
Preparation allows the interviewer to craft open-ended questions that encourage
storytelling rather than simple yes-or-no answers. It also helps avoid redundant or
irrelevant questions, saving time and keeping the conversation focused. For example,
if a journalist is interviewing an environmental scientist, reading the interviewee’s
published work or recent research findings beforehand ensures that the questions will
be informed and relevant.
Christiane Amanpour, an award-winning international correspondent, has
repeatedly stressed the value of research and preparation in her interviews with global
leaders and conflict survivors. She notes that thoughtful preparation not only increases
the quality of information gathered but also builds credibility. When an interviewee
senses that the interviewer has made an effort to understand their background and
perspective, they are more likely to open up and share authentic, meaningful insights.
Furthermore, preparation reduces the likelihood of miscommunication or
awkward silences during the interview. It enables the interviewer to adapt to
unexpected answers and ask follow-up questions that dig deeper. In essence,
preparation transforms an interview from a basic Q&A session into a dynamic and
insightful conversation.
The Role of Active Listening.Another fundamental skill in mastering the art of
interviewing is active listening. While asking well-prepared questions is important, the
ability to truly listen to the interviewee’s responses can determine the depth and success
of the conversation. Active listening involves maintaining eye contact, showing
genuine interest, avoiding interruptions, and responding appropriately to what has been
said.
According to a 2019 study by the Harvard Business Review, people who
practiced active listening were 40% more likely to build trust and rapport during
interviews compared to those who focused only on their prepared questions. This skill
T A D Q I Q O T L A R
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https://scientific-jl.com
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ISSN:3030-3613
helps the interviewer pick up on emotional cues, unspoken concerns, or hidden details
that might otherwise go unnoticed. For example, in a famous interview with
whistleblower Edward Snowden, journalist Glenn Greenwald adjusted his line of
questioning mid-interview after noticing subtle shifts in Snowden’s tone and div
language, which led to deeper revelations.
Active listening also demonstrates respect and empathy, which encourages the
interviewee to open up more. In qualitative research, scholars have found that
participants tend to share more personal and honest answers when they feel heard and
understood. The Qualitative Health Research journal (2020) noted that interviews
where researchers actively engaged with participants yielded richer, more nuanced
data.
Moreover, active listening enables flexibility in conversation. If an interviewee
mentions an unexpected yet interesting topic, a good interviewer who is actively
listening can follow that thread, often leading to surprising and powerful insights.
Without this skill, interviews risk becoming mechanical or superficial, losing the very
human connection that makes them valuable.
Establishing rapport and trust is essential for conducting effective and
meaningful interviews, especially when discussing sensitive or personal topics.
Without a foundation of trust, interviewees may give guarded or incomplete responses,
limiting the quality of the information gathered. Rapport refers to the sense of
connection and mutual respect between interviewer and interviewee, and it plays a vital
role in encouraging openness.
According to a 2020 report by the American Press Institute, interviews in which
journalists invested time in small talk or informal conversation before the formal
interview began were 30% more likely to result in deeper, more emotional answers.
This is particularly important in investigative journalism and oral history projects,
where vulnerability and honesty are key. For instance, documentary filmmaker Louis
Theroux is known for his calm demeanor and non-confrontational style, which often
helps his subjects feel comfortable enough to share personal and controversial details.
Trust can also be reinforced through transparency. Letting the interviewee know
how the information will be used and respecting their boundaries (e.g., asking for
consent to record or quote them) builds a safe environment. In academic interviews,
researchers are ethically required to explain the purpose of the study and obtain
informed consent — a process that fosters openness and protects participants’ rights.
Moreover, div language, tone of voice, and even clothing choice can subtly
influence the level of trust established. Research published in the International Journal
of Social Research Methodology (2021) found that interviewers who maintained a
relaxed posture and used empathetic expressions were more likely to receive honest
and in-depth responses from participants.
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In short, rapport is not just a "nice to have" feature of interviews — it is a
strategic and ethical necessity that significantly enhances the depth, quality, and
integrity of the dialogue.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Interviews.Even experienced interviewers can
fall into common traps that reduce the effectiveness of their conversations. One of the
most frequent mistakes is asking leading or closed-ended questions that limit the
interviewee’s response. For example, instead of asking, "You liked the new policy,
didn’t you?", a better approach would be, "What are your thoughts on the new policy?"
Leading questions can unintentionally influence the answer, making it less authentic.
Another common error is failing to adapt. Sticking rigidly to a prepared list of
questions without acknowledging the direction of the conversation can make the
interview feel forced and unnatural. A 2018 survey by the Pew Research Center
showed that 61% of respondents felt more comfortable in interviews where the flow of
conversation was flexible rather than scripted. This highlights the importance of
listening and improvising based on the interviewee’s answers.
Interrupting the interviewee or frequently correcting them is another major
mistake, especially in sensitive or emotionally charged interviews. Such behavior may
create discomfort or defensiveness, reducing the chance of receiving genuine answers.
Additionally, ignoring non-verbal cues—like hesitation, facial expressions, or tone
changes—can lead to missed opportunities for deeper questions.
Poor time management is also a practical but impactful mistake. If the
interviewer spends too much time on introductory topics, they may run out of time
before reaching the most important questions. According to a guide by the BBC
Academy, interviewers are advised to prioritize their questions and structure them from
general to specific to maximize time and depth.
Avoiding these common errors not only improves the quality of the interview
but also builds credibility and professionalism, ensuring that both the interviewer and
the audience gain meaningful value from the exchange.
Conclusion.Mastering the art of interviewing is not merely about asking
questions — it is about building connections, uncovering stories, and creating a space
where truth and insight can emerge. As explored throughout this article, preparation,
active listening, and trust-building are foundational components of a powerful
interview. Equally important is avoiding common mistakes that can hinder the flow or
depth of conversation. In journalism, research, or even everyday interactions, effective
interviewing opens the door to understanding others on a deeper level. By developing
these skills, individuals not only become better communicators but also more
empathetic listeners and thoughtful questioners. In a world where genuine dialogue is
more valuable than ever, the ability to conduct a meaningful interview is a tool worth
mastering.
T A D Q I Q O T L A R
jahon ilmiy – metodik jurnali
https://scientific-jl.com
60-son_1-to’plam_Aprel-2025
331
ISSN:3030-3613
References
1.
Harvard Business Review. (2019). "The Power of Active Listening: Building Trust
and Rapport in Interviews." Retrieved from https://hbr.org.
2.
Journalism Studies. (2022). "The Impact of Preparation on Interview Quality: A
Comparative Study." Vol. 15, Issue 2, pp. 102-115.
3.
Qualitative Health Research Journal. (2020). "Engaging Participants Through
Active Listening: Enhancing Interview Depth." Vol. 30, Issue 4, pp. 232-245.
4.
American Press Institute. (2020). "Building Rapport: How Small Talk Can Lead to
Big Conversations." Retrieved from https://www.americanpressinstitute.org.
5.
BBC Academy. (2021). "Interviewing Essentials: Effective Questioning and Time
Management." Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/academy.
6.
Greenwald, G. (2014). No Place to Hide: Edward Snowden, the NSA, and the U.S.
Surveillance State. Metropolitan Books.
7.
International Journal of Social Research Methodology. (2021). "Body Language
and Empathy: Building Trust in Interviews." Vol. 24, Issue 5, pp. 190-202.
8.
Pew Research Center. (2018). "The Changing Landscape of Journalism and
Interviewing." Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org.
9.
Theroux, L. (2018). Louis Theroux: The Interviews. Penguin Books.
