The Five Keys to a Perfect Interview
“Asking good questions isn’t enough,” says David Balaguer, who reveals the true keys to conducting a great interview.
Conducting a good interview is an essential skill in journalism and communication. That’s why students in the 360° Master’s in Radio and Television practice it through various exercises during their studies. Recently, they had the opportunity to produce and conduct TV studio interviews at Radiofònics with personalities like Carles Tamayo, Laura Grau, Albert Bermúdez, and Andrea Vilallonga.
David Balaguer, journalist, instructor, and coordinator of the 360° Master’s at Radiofònics, highlights five fundamental keys to conducting a good interview. Whether you’re interviewing an expert for a report, a public figure, or a business leader, the success of the interview depends on good preparation and execution. Here’s how David Balaguer summarizes the five keys:
1. Listen actively and adapt
“If you’re listening to a guest and while they’re speaking you’re already thinking about your next question, you’re doing it wrong. You have to listen; maybe with that answer they’re already addressing other questions you had prepared,” explains David Balaguer. He adds: “An interview script is volatile — it’s a script that can evaporate at any moment. The order of the questions may change, and some questions may be dropped. The journalist’s adaptability is key.”
According to David Balaguer, the essence of the interview is listening. Without listening, there’s no good interview. Don’t just stick to a rigid script; if the interviewee mentions something interesting, dare to explore it further with follow-up questions. Flexibility is fundamental for turning the interview into an authentic and dynamic conversation.
“Sometimes, in an interview, we’re not focused enough and we miss ‘pearls.’ You know when you have a loose thread on your shirt? You can cut it or pull it. Sometimes you need to know when to pull — that can lead you to key information.” Concentration and active listening are essential in any interview.
2. Create an atmosphere of trust
The success of an interview largely depends on the atmosphere you create. An interviewee who feels comfortable and respected will give more sincere and enriching answers. To achieve this, show genuine interest, maintain eye contact, and avoid unnecessary interruptions. Empathy and courtesy will always be your best allies.
“Knowing how to create a good atmosphere is fundamental, but many students ask me how to do it. One way is to start with simpler questions to get into the subject, and as the interview progresses, you can increase the complexity,” explains David Balaguer. He notes that if you start an interview with a complex or confrontational question, the guest may become defensive from the start, which can make them less willing to share information during the conversation.
3. Research the interviewee thoroughly
Before sitting down with your interviewee, it’s crucial to know who they are and what they’ve done. Research their background, previous opinions, and area of expertise. This will not only allow you to ask smarter questions but will also help you avoid mistakes or questions they’ve already answered numerous times. Additionally, showing interest and knowledge builds trust and improves the quality of the conversation.
4. Ask short, direct, and well-structured questions
The best interviews are those where the interviewee feels comfortable expressing themselves freely. To achieve this, ask open-ended questions that invite reflection and the development of ideas. Instead of asking, “Did you like the project?”, try “What did you learn from this project?” Also, organize your questions logically so the interview flows naturally.
David Balaguer points out that most students, when they start the master’s program, make the classic beginner interviewer mistakes:
Asking long-winded questions
Hesitating when asking questions
Starting questions with phrases like “the next question I wanted to ask you” or “I also wanted to ask you”
Introducing questions with lengthy preambles
Asking questions that already suggest the answer
5. Manage time and pace
David Balaguer also explains that a well-conducted interview should have a balanced rhythm: “Don’t rush from one question to another without giving the interviewee time to develop their ideas.” At the same time, it’s important to avoid letting them ramble on too long and lose the focus of the conversation. As the interviewer, your role is to guide the conversation effectively and ensure you obtain the relevant information.
Who is David Balaguer?
David Balaguer has been an instructor at Radiofònics for 15 years. A journalist and writer with more than 25 years of experience in radio and television, he collaborates as a journalist at RAC1, RTVE, and Betevé. He began his career at Ràdio Barcelona and made his mark on “El món a RAC1” with the segment “El món irreal.” He has contributed to programs such as “El suplement,” “Divendres,” and “Planta baixa” and published the book El digestiu de la veritat. With a critical and humorous style, he has established himself as a prominent voice in Catalan journalism, tackling current affairs and cultural topics with irony and sensitivity.
