5 Effective Tips for Interviewing Non-Talkative Individuals

We've all experienced it: you've sent the questions prior to the interview, confirmed the time and location, and prepared the camera. You take out your notepad, hit record, and pose the first question. And then...Silence.

That's right—nothing helpful comes out. It can be incredibly frustrating. Often, you find yourself extending deadlines, brainstorming alternative ways to convey the story, or even considering a written article in place of the video interview.

Interviewing someone who is shy or tends to speak little can be a daunting task for many. These individuals often require a different approach to facilitate open communication. As a storyteller, your ability to engage these individuals is critical in order to elicit valuable insights and information. By employing specific techniques, you can create an environment of smooth expressive dialogue, even with those who typically lack conversation skills.

Here are 5 ways to get the best possible interview results from non-talkative individuals.

Tip 1: Create a Comfortable Environment

The first step in interviewing a shy person is to ensure that the setting is comfortable and non-threatening. Choose a quiet location with minimal distractions. This can significantly help to put the interviewee at ease. A familiar environment, whether it be their home or a favorite café, can also encourage openness. Establishing rapport right from the onset will foster trust and potentially invite more extensive dialogue. A comfortable environment often include a friendly personality, be light hearted and make them realize that the task is easier than they think.

Tip 2: Utilize Open-Ended Questions

Shy individuals may struggle with providing detailed responses, especially to direct questions. Instead of asking yes or no questions, try to frame your inquiries in a way that demands elaboration. For example, instead of asking, "Did you enjoy your experience?" consider asking, "What aspects of your experience stood out to you?" This encourages the interviewee to expand upon their thoughts and share their perspectives more freely. When speaking of an experience I often ask "tell me your story", I then guide their answers to fit the optimal way to tell the story.

Tip 3: Encourage Pauses and Silence

During an interview, silence can feel uncomfortable. However, allowing pauses can give the interviewee time to think and formulate their responses. Patience is key. Instead of jumping in to fill the silence, give them ample opportunity to gather their thoughts. You might be surprised at what they ultimately decide to share when given enough space to feel comfortable.

Tip 4: Encourage Body Language and Non-Verbal Communication

Many shy individuals communicate effectively through body language, expressions, and gestures. Pay attention to these non-verbal cues, which can provide insight into their feelings and thoughts. Additionally, you can encourage them to express themselves in ways other than verbal communication, such as through writing or sketching their ideas on paper. This can serve as a channel for them to articulate feelings that they might not be ready to verbalize.

Tip 5: Leverage Online Resources for Further Techniques

To enhance your interviewing skills, leveraging online resources can be tremendously beneficial. Websites that provide step-by-step guides on how to interview individuals effectively.

Resource #1 The Omniscient website - How to Interview Someone For an Article: Step-By-Step Guide

Resource#2 WikiHow website - How to interview someone

Resource #3 Writer's Digest website - Top 10 Interviewing Tips for Journalist

By applying these strategies and utilizing available resources, you will be better equipped to conduct effective interviews with shy individuals, facilitating a deeper understanding of their thoughts and experiences.

Thomas Y. Lynch