By: Katalina Torres
When it comes to interviewing someone, it can be a little intimidating. You’re trying to find the right words to say, wondering what to do when there’s an awkward moment of silence, and maybe overthinking what you just said so much so that you aren’t even paying attention to the response. Suddenly, you’ve forgotten what you even asked, and you’re just staring at your subject like a deer in headlights.
What if I told you that the best interviews are the ones where you do the least amount of work? You are essentially the copilot; you can sit back, relax, and go for a joyride while still remaining in full control. Think back on a time you’ve been interviewed, let’s say for a job. For me, I was always a nervous wreck, worrying about trick questions and filling every gap with “believable” answers. Now, think of a time you’ve talked with someone who is genuinely getting to know you—a friend, a lover, or even a curious child. The conversation flows because you are relaxed enough to share the real parts of yourself.
That natural flow is your goal, and as an introvert, you actually have a secret advantage: you’re already a pro at observing. Here is how to turn that quiet nature into a journalistic superpower.
Over-Prepare to Under-Talk
The best way to reduce “social exhaustion” is to do the heavy lifting before you even meet. Write out twice as many questions as you think you’ll need. This isn’t so you can grill them. It’s so you have a safety net. When you aren’t panicking about what to ask next, you can actually listen to what they are saying.
The “Power of the Pause”
This is the ultimate tool for the quiet writer. When your subject finishes a sentence, don’t jump in immediately. Count to three in your head. Most people are terrified of silence and will feel an innate need to fill it. Usually, the first thing they say is the rehearsed answer. The thing they say after the “awkward” pause is the raw, high-impact quote you actually want.
Embrace the Role of the Observer
You don’t need to fake extroversion or be the loudest person in the room to be a great journalist, writer, influencer, etc. By leaning into the silence, you aren’t failing the conversation—you’re leading it. So, take a breath, lean back, and for the love of everything, just shut up and let them talk.