Techniques for Engaging Documentary Subjects during Interviews

Interviewing subjects for documentaries is an art form that requires a delicate balance of preparation, intuition, and interpersonal skills. Engaging your subjects while capturing the authenticity of their stories can transform your documentary from good to great. This page explores key techniques to ensure effective engagement with your documentary subjects during interviews.

Establishing Comfort and Rapport

The location of an interview can significantly influence the subject’s comfort level. Choosing a setting that is familiar or meaningful to the subject can help them relax, opening up more naturally. Consider the lighting, noise levels, and background to ensure they don’t distract from the conversation.

Utilizing Open-ended Questions

Unlike yes-or-no questions, open-ended ones invite subjects to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings. This technique encourages a storytelling approach, facilitating deeper insight into the subject’s perspective. Questions that start with “how” and “why” are particularly effective in drawing out elaborate responses.

Tailoring Questions to the Subject

Every interviewee brings a unique perspective to the conversation. Tailor your questions to align with their experiences and expertise. This not only honors their individuality but also prompts more meaningful dialogue, allowing them to offer detailed narratives that enhance your documentary’s authenticity.

Maintaining Eye Contact

Eye contact is a critical form of non-verbal communication that can convey empathy and attention. Steady and relaxed eye contact shows your interest in the subject's story, making them feel valued and understood. This can significantly enhance the comfort level, helping them share more sincerely.

Adopting Open Body Language

Your body language can influence the interview dynamic more than you might expect. Adopting an open posture, such as uncrossed arms and a slight lean towards the subject, indicates readiness to listen. These subtle cues encourage subjects to mirror your openness, fostering a more intimate sharing environment.

Utilizing Silence Effectively

Sometimes, silence can prompt interviewees to fill gaps with additional information, divulging deeper insights. Used judiciously, moments of silence can encourage subjects to reflect and continue speaking, often leading to more thoughtful and revealing responses than straightforward questioning might elicit.

Previous slide

Next slide