First published on this website in April 2004 and last updated in March 2012

A public interview in a church service or other forum is a powerful means of communication. But churches rarely do them well. Here is advice for whoever is doing the interviewing.

1. Sort out the practical details - radio mics, positions on the dais, seating, etc.
2. Relax those taking part - both parties need to behave naturally so put the interviewee at ease.
3. Never script the interview in advance - scary but essential - have the main questions worked out in advance but it needs to be a natural conversation.
4. Keep each contribution short - it's a conversation, one long answer ruins the dynamic.
5. Speak to each other - and not to the audience, so always face each other and speak to each other, then others can eavesdrop.