What is essential for successfully conducting an interview and eliciting information?

A strategy is essential for successfully conducting an interview and eliciting information because it involves planning how to approach the conversation, which questions to ask, and how to interpret the responses. A well-defined strategy allows the interviewer to create an environment that is conducive to open communication, facilitating trust and rapport with the interviewee. When an interviewer has a clear strategy, they can adapt their techniques to the specific situation, making them more effective in gathering accurate and relevant information.

The importance of a strategy lies in its ability to guide the process and ensure key topics are covered, while also providing flexibility to adjust to the flow of the conversation. It helps in anticipating the interviewee's responses and preparing follow-up questions that can lead to deeper insights. A successful interview is often the result of thoughtful preparation and the ability to engage the interviewee in a meaningful dialogue, both of which are central to a well-formulated strategy.