Also try to develop a good memory for quotes. Often I can remember word for word specific lines or other information I wasn't able to write down fast enough which I can write down after the interview or during a break or when the source is saying something I'm not interested in using. Pausing them for a <8 seconds to finish your notes is ok, but try to avoid it if you're dealing with a heavyweight lest you appear weak, slow, unprepared or inexperienced - you always have to look and sound better, older and more experienced than you actually are.
People will never remember word for word exactly what they said anyway unless it was a key quote. You need to be able to identify these and make sure you nail them both for more powerful useage when you write, and just to make sure they don't think you've misquoted them. You can generally get away with pauses or repeats following quotes like these because they want you to get it right as much as you do, and it lets them know you think it's important, which will make them feel like they are making their point.
Also just try having a conversation and making the interview less formal, particularly over the phone. I very rarely do actual interviews, I just call people up and have a yarn til I have what I need, but that's just my style. If you do this however, I find people are more forgiving with pauses, and they will be more relaxed and likely to tell you more.
People will never remember word for word exactly what they said anyway unless it was a key quote. You need to be able to identify these and make sure you nail them both for more powerful useage when you write, and just to make sure they don't think you've misquoted them. You can generally get away with pauses or repeats following quotes like these because they want you to get it right as much as you do, and it lets them know you think it's important, which will make them feel like they are making their point.
Also just try having a conversation and making the interview less formal, particularly over the phone. I very rarely do actual interviews, I just call people up and have a yarn til I have what I need, but that's just my style. If you do this however, I find people are more forgiving with pauses, and they will be more relaxed and likely to tell you more.
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