The most important skills a successful technical writing consultant can have are that of investigation and interviewing.
As an investigator, you are searching for what the user needs to know. You sift through the piles of information to find the tiny gems of knowledge.
Sometimes you have to sift through a lot of nothing to find that special "something."
As an interviewer, you need to know what questions to ask, the best person to ask, and how to get the answers you need. This takes experience. These tips will help you get a good start.
Your ToolKit
Besides a snazzy Sherlock Holmes cap and access to the Internet, the other best tool you should add to your kit is a good tape recorder. If you don't already have one, get one. It'll save you hours of work.
So, put on your Sherlock Holmes cap and let's start learning the best interviewing and investigating techniques.
First, a three-part series on Interviewing Techniques will take us through preparing for the interview, handling the interview, and following the interview. Next, we'll follow-up with a multi-part series on Investigation Techniques.
Part One - Preparing for the Interview
Be well prepared. Nothing could be worse then showing up to an interview without your tape recorder, batteries, extension cord, if necessary, paper, pens, or your notes. If you are representing yourself, you've lost credibility. If you're representing a firm, you could be jeopardizing a contract.
By Appointment Only
Make an appointment for your interview. Don't just show up and ask if the prospective interviewee has time for you.
When making the interview appointment, ask for a quiet room away from noise and interruptions. Explain that you will be recording the interview and ask if anyone has objections.
Know Your Equipment
Practice using your tape recorder before the interview. Know how it works. Read the instruction manual for recording tips. Make sure you have all peripheral equipment you need, extra batteries, tapes, cord, etc.
TIP: Use new tapes for best quality. Don't use old tapes you've erased or record over old tapes.
Know Your Subject
Do as much research as possible on the product or subject and similar products or subjects as you can. This allows you to be familiar with the subject and technical aspects before your interview.
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