Interview Prep for Subject Matter Experts

Checklist 2 min
Download 
Use this pre-interview checklist to thoroughly prepare a subject matter expert for any type of interview.

A successful interview begins with extensive planning. The more prepared a subject matter expert is, the more confident and relaxed they will be, which makes for a smooth interview.

Follow this checklist to ensure you set your SME up for success by thoroughly preparing them for an interview.

  • Prepare and provide SME with a package that includes
    • A briefing card
    • The reporter's bio
    • Supplementary documents (such as associated articles relevant to the interview topic)
    • The media kit given to the reporter, if available
    •  

  • Plan interview choreography
    • Provide SME with date, time and location of interview (where everyone will sit, who will start the call, who will make intros, etc.)
    • Oversee the operation and walk the SME through the entire process to get them comfortable with the plan
    • Discuss ground rules (interview length, topic, on the record, attribution, security, accuracy, propriety and policy)
    • Discuss public affairs officer and SME roles during the interview
    •  

  • Brief SME on reporter background and focus
    • Provide an understanding of the reporter’s focus and request for the interview
    • Share other interviews the reporter has set up, if applicable
    • Review the reporter’s wish list (which questions they hope to ask/have answered, if available)
    • Discuss prior conversations held with the reporter
    • Review the media outlet to provide ideas on how to report the topic
    •  

  • Review briefing card with SME

    • Tie the interview to the command’s priorities
    • Identify the desired end-state and desired public
    • Explain why the SME is a good fit for this interview on this topic with this reporter to meet this command objective
    • Review the command narrative with the SME
    • Discuss the theme, messages and talking points
    •  

  • Rehearse and provide feedback/actionable interview tips

    • Ask possible questions relevant to the interview topic
    • Provide feedback for the SME’s responses 
    • Discuss stronger ways to answer questions
    • Tie responses to end-state
    •  

  • Prepare for the day of the interview

    • Prep the SME within 20 minutes
    • Maintain composure, a confident tone and adequate eye contact with minimal use of notes
    • Arrive appropriately dressed (military follows service standards; civilians follow the DINFOS dress code)
    •  

Discover More You May Like

View All Checklists
Five syringes injecting vaccines, powering a glass container, while surrounded by varieties of viruses, with a cyberpunk-themed user interface.

Combatting Information Disorder

Article
4 min
Explore tactics to prevent the spread of information disorder on the digital battlefield.
An illustration of a website surrounded by six jigsaw puzzle pieces, with each piece containing a single icon: a clock, a book, a folder with a padlock, an image, a chat bubble and a checkmark.

Leveraging an Information Dashboard During a Crisis

Article
8 min
Learn how making a dedicated webpage is a powerful tool when handling misinformation from a sustained crisis.
An airman reads a book to children seated on the floor.

Community Relations as a Process

Article
6 min
Review how Research, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation fits into the community relations process.
Illustration of two service members sitting behind a desk that says "DINFOS Live." Illustrations of a circle, square and triangle with wavy lines are scattered throughout.

DINFOS Live: Motion Graphics

Article
29 min
Learn about the history and purpose of motion graphics from DINFOS instructors.
A person holding a tablet, sitting behind a desk that says "DINFOS Live." Graphic elements of a paper, pencil, camera and workflow are scattered in the background.

DINFOS Live: PA & VI Office Management Techniques

Article
38 min
Watch DINFOS instructors cover management tips, including standard operating procedures.
Service members taking pictures during an event, next to an illustration of a person with glasses sitting behind a computer and desk that says "DINFOS Live."

DINFOS Live: Next-Level Photojournalism Techniques

Article
41 min
Watch to learn visual journalism techniques, such as people-first storytelling, from DINFOS instructors.

View More