Lesson 3: Interviewing Health Experts

Preparing for Interviews: Research the topic and expert thoroughly before conducting an interview

• Research the Topic:

  • Understand the basics: Familiarize yourself with the health issue you’ll be discussing, including its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and any recent developments or controversies.
  • Identify key questions: Prepare a list of questions you want to ask, ensuring they cover the most important aspects of the topic for your audience.
  • Anticipate potential answers: Think about possible responses your expert might give and prepare follow-up questions to delve deeper.

• Research the Expert:

  • Review their credentials: Look into their qualifications, experience, and areas of expertise.
  • Read their previous work: Familiarize yourself with their publications, interviews, or presentations to understand their perspectives and research interests.
  • Check for potential biases: Identify any potential conflicts of interest or affiliations that might influence their views.

• Logistics and Preparation:

  • Schedule the interview: Set a time and location that works for both you and the expert. Consider their availability and any time constraints.
  • Choose the right format: Decide whether to conduct the interview in person, over the phone, or via video call, depending on the situation and your preferences.
  • Prepare your equipment: Make sure your recording device or note-taking tools are ready and functioning properly.
  • Dress professionally: Make a good impression by dressing appropriately for the interview.

Asking Effective Questions

• Open-Ended Questions:

  • Encourage detailed responses: Avoid yes-or-no questions and instead ask questions that prompt the expert to elaborate and provide in-depth information.
  • Examples:
    • “Can you explain the main causes of this condition?“
    • “What are the most common symptoms people should be aware of?“
    • “What are the latest advancements in treatment for this condition?“

• Clarity and Specificity:

  • Avoid ambiguity: Frame your questions clearly and concisely to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.
  • Use specific language: Avoid vague terms and instead use precise language to elicit focused responses.
  • Examples:
    • Instead of “What are the risks associated with this treatment?“, ask “What are the specific side effects and potential complications of this treatment?“
    • Instead of “How can people prevent this disease?“, ask “What are the most effective lifestyle changes or preventive measures people can take to reduce their risk of this disease?“

• Follow-Up Questions:

  • Probe for more information: If the expert’s initial response is brief or unclear, ask follow-up questions to gain a deeper understanding.
  • Challenge assumptions: If you disagree with something the expert says or find their response incomplete, respectfully challenge their assumptions or ask for further clarification.
  • Examples:
    • “Can you elaborate on that point?“
    • “Could you provide an example of how this treatment works in practice?“
    • “Are there any alternative viewpoints or controversies surrounding this issue?“

• Active Listening:

  • Pay close attention: Listen carefully to the expert’s responses and take note of key points or any new information that arises.
  • Non-verbal cues: Observe the expert’s body language and facial expressions for clues about their level of comfort or any potential hesitations.
  • Paraphrase and summarize: Restate the expert’s key points in your own words to ensure you understand their message correctly and to demonstrate that you’re actively engaged in the conversation.

Handling Sensitive Topics

• Empathy and Respect:

  • Acknowledge the sensitivity: Recognize that certain health issues can be emotionally charged or difficult to discuss.
  • Use compassionate language: Choose your words carefully and avoid any language that could be perceived as judgmental or insensitive.
  • Respect boundaries: Be mindful of the expert’s comfort level and avoid pushing them to discuss topics they are not comfortable with.

• Creating a Safe Space:

  • Build rapport: Establish a trusting relationship with the expert by demonstrating your knowledge and genuine interest in the topic.
  • Reassure confidentiality: Assure the expert that their responses will be treated with confidentiality, if applicable.
  • Be mindful of your body language: Maintain open and non-threatening body language to create a comfortable environment.

• Addressing Stigma and Misconceptions:

  • Challenge stereotypes: If the expert makes any generalizations or perpetuates stereotypes, gently challenge them and ask for clarification.
  • Educate your audience: Use your reporting to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding sensitive health issues.
  • Promote understanding: Highlight the human impact of these issues and encourage empathy and compassion.

• Additional Tips:

  • Prepare your questions in advance: Have a list of questions ready, but be flexible and adapt your line of questioning based on the conversation.
  • Record the interview: With permission, record the interview to ensure accuracy and avoid misquoting the expert.
  • Fact-check: Always verify any information or claims made by the expert before including them in your reporting.

By mastering these interviewing techniques and handling sensitive topics with care, you can gather valuable insights from health experts and produce impactful health reporting that informs and empowers your audience.