6. Give the witness some feedback.
Put key points into your own words and repeat them back. This has several values. First, it assures that you understood what was said. Second, it gives the witness chance to correcta detail. Third, it provides active listening by interviewer and witness. It also gives witness a chance to collect thoughts.
7. Record critical information quickly.
Make notes of key points. You can't remember s to his everything accurately. Seeing you taking notes to assures the witness that you really are interested. Avoid using recorders. They make people uncomfortable. If needed for legal purposes, ask the witness to write a statement, after the interview. Or, you can make a statement from the interview and ask the witness to sign it.
8. Use visual aids.
If you aren't interviewing on-site, use sketches, blueprints, models, or instant-print photographs. These help witnesses sort out relevant facts in their minds.
9. End on a positive note.
Thank the person for time and effort. If some facts given are particularly useful, let the witness know. Ask for ideas on how similar incidents can be prevented. Give credit and feedback when ideas are used.
10. Keep the line open.
Tell the witness to talk to you if he or she thinks of anything else. No piece of information is too small to be considered. Follow up with due questions if there are conflicts between different witnesses' comments