5 Key Takeaways from an Interview Conducted to Gather Information for a Speech

5 Key Takeaways from an Interview Conducted to Gather Information for a Speech

Have you ever felt like you have an incredible idea for a speech but lack the necessary information to make it great? Conducting an interview to gather information for a speech is a great way to obtain knowledge, insights, and expert opinions to make your speech significantly more impressive. But what are the key takeaways from such an interview? In this article, we’ll outline five essential pieces of information you must keep in mind to create an impactful speech.

1. Preparation is Key

When conducting an interview, it’s crucial to do your homework beforehand. Spend time researching the topic, as well as the interviewee. This will enable you to ask better questions that lead to more meaningful responses. Come up with a list of questions that cover the key points of your speech, but be flexible to follow up on any particularly insightful points that come up during the interview.

2. Build a Rapport with Your Interviewee

Building a strong relationship with your interviewee will lead to a more fruitful conversation and a better understanding of the subject. If the interview is over a phone call, find common ground and keep the conversation informal, but focused. If the interview is in person, arrive early, dress well, and show them respect by answering any questions they have about your purpose or the speech. Building rapport with your interviewee can lead to better insights and more exciting conversation.

3. Listen Attentively

Open-mindedness and active listening are critical when conducting an interview. Listen carefully to what the interviewee has to say, and try not to interrupt them. If they bring up an unusual point, ask them to elaborate on it. Be patient, and let them finish. Additionally, take notes that capture essential pieces of information – you might not recall everything they say later.

4. Find Clarity and Focus on Key Points

Besides the notes taken during the interview, consider summarizing the key points covered in the discussion. It’s critical to focus on the essential takeaways and not to get lost in the interviewer’s details. Consider the main theme of your speech and use these points to support that. Remember, your speech is not just a summary of the interview – it’s the narrative you create based on the data provided.

5. Use the Information Effectively

Once you have conducted the interview, analyzed your notes, and summarized the key takeaways, it’s time to use that information to create an effective speech. Consider your audience and tailor your message based on their interests and level of knowledge. Whether you are using graphs, anecdotes, or statistics, consider making the speech engaging and enjoyable to listen to.

Conclusion

Conducting an interview can provide invaluable insights to complement your speech. By preparing well, building a rapport, listening actively, finding clarity and focus on key points, and using the information effectively, you’ll be able to deliver an engaging and impactful speech that showcases your expertise. Remember, the interviewee is a partner in the process, so make it a collaborative effort and create a speech that will leave a lasting impact!