Here's an interviewer's worst nightmare: Icelandic band Sigur Ros are interviewed for an NPR radio show. The interaction is so awkward that it becomes humorous. A lot can be learned about conducting an interview by learning from this example. You might blame Sigur Ros for being a little uncooperative, but the interviewer also conducts the interaction a little unprofessionally. Personally, I wonder if the lack of response led him to lose his head a little.

Keeping your head while interviewing is an important skill. In scriptwriting class we talked a bit about the timing of when to ask questions and when to be silent, and so searching for timing wisdom, I've found another university course that gives specific tips on what kinds of questions to ask and when. There's a good tip here on knowing when to ask the important "why" questions. Sometimes the "why" question isn't the right direction to take because it promotes a defensive response, or there might not even be an answer to "why".

I found another resource related to podcasting that gives similar advice. An interesting tip I found here was tip number 5; "Don't be afraid to ask tough questions." While interviewing requires grace, there is a time to be a little hard-nosed and ask the questions that probe deeper. The most interesting and entertaining interviews that you see on 20/20 for instance, usually involve asking the subject some personal or revealing questions.

Search these sites and learn a few tips. Then when you conduct an interview, you'll know how to prevent an embarrassing example like the one above.