Interviews: telephone or face to face
Conducting interviews of various kinds is a major part of our
work, via telephone or face to face. An interview is more
personal than filling in a survey form, and can reveal more than
is possible in brief answers to scripted survey questions.
Most of our interview work is concerned with gaining insights as
well as building up an overall picture.
A structured personal interview typically covers specified
ground, with a set of agreed questions, and also allows room to
explore relevant things that emerge along the way. It can
deliver deep insights, and can draw out thoughts on politically
sensitive issues.
Interview planning and design
As with any research, clearly stated objectives are an
important starting point. We can give guidance on what is
achievable and will deliver useful results. We can help you with
the initial decisions about who to interview, what to ask, and
how to ask it.
One of our strengths is in framing questions and the way they
are presented, to ensure we get at what is wanted and avoid biasing responses. Most
clients request a mixture of easy-to-analyse closed questions,
covering specific points of investigation, and potentially more
revealing open questions, which allow interviewees to say what
they feel.
Conducting the interviews
The skill of the interviewer is paramount. Interviews demand
the ability to engage easily with the interviewee, to win trust,
to listen effectively, to pace the interview to ensure it covers
the full ground, yet to allow space at key moments where there
may be something significant yet unexpressed. Interviewees' most
enlightening and revealing comments may come at such moments.
Miles Macleod has interviewed people at all levels in society
and business, including prominent politicians and top executives
of big companies, managers, staff, and ordinary folk of all
ages.
Most of our work comes from clients who have used our
services before, and appreciate the quality of interviewing we
offer.
Analysing and reporting findings
We are expert at interpreting results, to make sense of the
findings that matter for you. We always seek to produce
understandable reports, in plain English, which present the
findings with clarity.
Find out more
If you would like to learn more, please contact
Miles Macleod
by email or phone
+44 (0)1932 844449 (UK business hours).
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