Interview techniques

Definition

Interview techniques are the methods and strategies used to conduct interviews effectively, aiming to extract insightful and truthful information from subjects. These techniques are crucial in non-fiction cinema as they shape the narrative and influence how truth claims and perspectives are presented, impacting the audience's understanding of the subject matter.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interview techniques can vary greatly depending on the subject matter, interviewee background, and the intended message of the film.
2. Building a comfortable environment for the interviewee is essential, as it can lead to more authentic and revealing responses.
3. Different types of interviews, such as structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, affect how information is gathered and presented in non-fiction cinema.
4. Non-verbal communication during an interview can reveal a lot about the interviewee's feelings and attitudes, providing deeper insights beyond their verbal responses.
5. The use of follow-up questions is important in interviews, as they can help clarify answers and delve deeper into subjects that may be particularly relevant to the film's narrative.

Review Questions

• How do different types of interview techniques impact the quality of information gathered from subjects in non-fiction cinema?
  • Different types of interview techniques, such as structured or unstructured formats, greatly influence the quality of information obtained from subjects. Structured interviews may yield concise answers but could limit depth, while unstructured interviews often allow for a richer exploration of thoughts and emotions. This balance is essential in non-fiction cinema, as filmmakers strive to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences by presenting varied perspectives.
• In what ways do framing and open-ended questions enhance the effectiveness of interviews in documentary filmmaking?
  • Framing and open-ended questions enhance interviews by encouraging subjects to express their views more freely and deeply. By carefully crafting questions that invite elaborate responses, filmmakers can uncover layers of truth that may otherwise remain hidden. This technique helps ensure that diverse perspectives are captured, enriching the documentary's narrative and fostering a deeper connection with the audience.
• Evaluate how active listening contributes to the authenticity of interviews in non-fiction cinema and its implications for truth claims.
  • Active listening is fundamental for ensuring that interviews feel genuine and lead to authentic responses from subjects. When interviewers demonstrate attentiveness and empathy, it fosters trust, encouraging interviewees to share their true thoughts and feelings. This authenticity is crucial for establishing credible truth claims in non-fiction cinema; audiences are more likely to believe in the narrative when they sense that the interviews are honest and reflect genuine experiences.

Related terms

Open-ended questions: Questions that encourage detailed responses and provide interviewees the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings without being constrained by predetermined answers.

Framing:

The way a question or topic is presented, which can significantly influence how an interviewee responds and how information is perceived by the audience.

Active listening: The practice of fully concentrating on what the interviewee is saying, which helps to build rapport and encourages more open and honest responses.