How do you keep a subject talking during an interview?

How do you keep a subject talking during an interview?

• A. Keep your own talking to minimum
• B. Use open-ended questions
• C. Ask yes/no questions
• D. Do not allow pauses

Answer: (B)

Open-ended questions are the method that keeps a subject talking. They invite detailed responses and allow the person to describe events in their own words, giving you richer information than a simple yes or no. By using questions that start with who, what, where, when, why, or how, you encourage the subject to share stories, provide context, and fill in details you might miss with closed prompts. This approach also helps you assess credibility as the narrative unfolds and lets you pick up on inconsistencies or important cues. Limiting your own talking is good interview etiquette, but it doesn’t by itself prompt extended, informative answers. Asking yes/no questions restricts responses and often shuts down discussion, and trying to eliminate pauses can stall thinking and pressure the subject, reducing what they disclose. So, using open-ended questions best achieves the goal of keeping the subject talking and gathering useful information.

Open-ended questions are the method that keeps a subject talking. They invite detailed responses and allow the person to describe events in their own words, giving you richer information than a simple yes or no. By using questions that start with who, what, where, when, why, or how, you encourage the subject to share stories, provide context, and fill in details you might miss with closed prompts. This approach also helps you assess credibility as the narrative unfolds and lets you pick up on inconsistencies or important cues. Limiting your own talking is good interview etiquette, but it doesn’t by itself prompt extended, informative answers. Asking yes/no questions restricts responses and often shuts down discussion, and trying to eliminate pauses can stall thinking and pressure the subject, reducing what they disclose. So, using open-ended questions best achieves the goal of keeping the subject talking and gathering useful information.