What is the recommended practice before recording an interviewee?

• A. Make small talk before recording, ask questions, give direction, and encourage
• B. Avoid talking to the interviewee to save time
• C. Record in complete silence
• D. Let the interviewee lead without guidance

Answer: (A)

Setting a comfortable, guided start before recording helps the interviewee share more clearly and confidently. Small talk eases nerves and makes responses feel natural. Asking initial questions and giving direction clarifies what topics will be covered, how the interview will flow, and what kind of details are sought, so both parties are aligned from the outset. Encouraging the interviewee creates a supportive tone, inviting fuller, more thoughtful answers rather than brief or hesitant replies. This combination builds rapport, provides structure, and leads to higher-quality material.

Skipping conversation to save time can leave the interviewee tense and responses stiff; recording in complete silence creates awkwardness and missing context; letting the interviewee lead without any guidance can cause the discussion to drift away from the intended topics.