1. Writing Effective Interview Questions

2. 10 Commandments of interviewing an expert
10. Think about and plan how different kinds of questions can be most appropriately sequenced for each interview topic, including past, present, and future questions. 9. Ask clear questions, using understandable and appropriate language. 8. Ask one question at a time. 7. Avoid leading questions. (Either/ Or Yes/No = BAD)

3. 10 Commandments of interviewing an expert (Cont’d)
6. Use probes and follow-up questions to solicit depth and detail. 5. Establish personal rapport and a sense of mutual interest but maintain neutrality toward the specific content of responses. You are there to collect information NOT to make judgments about that person. 4. Observe while interviewing. Be aware of and sensitive to how the person is affected by and responds to different questions. Listen attentively and respond appropriately to let the person know he or she is being heard.

4. 10 Commandments of interviewing an expert (Cont’d)
3. Take notes to capture and highlight major points as the interview progresses (using the recorder on your phone is a great way to do this! Just ASK permission first!!) 2. As soon as possible after the interview check the recording for malfunctions; review notes for clarity; elaborate where necessary; and record observations 1. Treat the person being interviewed with respect. Keep in mind that it is a privilege and responsibility to peer into another person's experience.

5. Writing Good questions is the best prep you can do…
Avoid leading questions.
Leading questions signal the interviewer that you are looking for a specific answer. They also signal that you are, at best, an awkward communicator and, at worst, manipulative. (They are usually used by defense attorneys in cross examination!!! Don’t be ‘that guy’!!)
Skewing questions is not in your interest. Be on guard that your questions are phrased to be impartial.
Some Examples:
Isn’t it true that …
I’m sure you agree…
Don’t you think that…

6. Instead, invite your expert to share his or her thoughts/ ideas…
What would you say the best part of your job is?
What kinds of challenges can someone just starting out in your field expect to face? (see what I did there?)
What advice would you give to someone just getting into your field?

7. Instead, invite your expert to share his or her thoughts/ ideas…
What kinds of personality traits are most helpful to people in your field?
(Follow up if they don’t volunteer: Why would you say ‘________’ is so important?)
What are some exciting changes you have seen lately?
What are some long term developments you expect?
If you could fix a problem in your field, what would you fix and how?

8. Other Interview tips
Get their FULL NAME w/ correct spelling
Get their specific and correct Job Title (For Works Cited)
Ask if you can have a picture taken with your expert! (For Presentation!!)

9. Works Cited
Patton, M.Q.. How to Use Qualitative Methods in Evaluation. Sage Publications. Newberry Park, CA

10. invite your expert to share his or her thoughts/ ideas…
What would you say the best part of your job is?
What kinds of challenges can someone just starting out in your field expect to face? (see what I did there?)
What advice would you give to someone just getting into your field?
What kinds of personality traits are most helpful to people in your field?
(Follow up if they don’t volunteer: Why would you say ‘________’ is so important?)
What are some exciting changes you have seen lately?
What are some long term developments you expect?
If you could fix a problem in your field, what would you fix and how?

11. invite your expert to share his or her thoughts/ ideas…
What would you say the best part of your job is?
What kinds of challenges can someone just starting out in your field expect to face? (see what I did there?)
What advice would you give to someone just getting into your field?
What kinds of personality traits are most helpful to people in your field?
(Follow up if they don’t volunteer: Why would you say ‘________’ is so important?)
What are some exciting changes you have seen lately?
What are some long term developments you expect?
If you could fix a problem in your field, what would you fix and how?