Three interviewing mistakes

Having posted some positive interviewing advice, I think it's time to talk about mistakes some writers make when talking to sources.

Don't ask questions that reveal your own opinions or biases.

It goes without saying that if you make your own views obvious, you could annoy the interviewee, who may react by ending the interview there and then. Alternatively, he or she may become defensive and answer your questions very guardedly. If you make it apparent you agree with the interviewee, he or she may forgo some of the elaboration you want for your article. Ideally, you want him or her to attempt to succinctly convince you.

Don't ask questions that assume a particular answer.

Even if you're certain the interviewee won't like the issue you're discussing, it's more neutral and so better to ask "How do you feel about this?" rather than, “Are you angered by this change?”

Don't ask two questions at the same time.

I once heard a fellow writer ask a person, "Do you think the building should be knocked down, and what should replace it?" That interviewee, fortunately, was able to digest both questions and answer them one at a time. However, if the person you're speaking to is tired, distracted - or not a native speaker of English - you may end up with something that doesn't properly represent his or her opinion, and isn't useful for your article. You should be especially careful of this if you know there's no opportunity to double-check the interviewee's answers.