Follow-up prompts

Definition

Follow-up prompts are additional questions or statements used during an interview to encourage further elaboration or clarification from the interviewee. These prompts help deepen the conversation by inviting the interviewee to share more details, insights, or reflections, thus enhancing the overall quality of the interaction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Follow-up prompts can turn a simple answer into a rich discussion by inviting more in-depth responses.
2. Using follow-up prompts effectively can help build rapport between the interviewer and interviewee, making the conversation feel more natural.
3. These prompts can be used with both open-ended and closed-ended questions, though they are especially useful after open-ended ones to gather more information.
4. Follow-up prompts should be open enough to allow for a range of responses but focused enough to guide the discussion in a meaningful direction.
5. Good follow-up prompts often stem from active listening, where the interviewer picks up on specific details or emotional cues in the interviewee's answers.

Review Questions

• How do follow-up prompts enhance the effectiveness of an interview?
  • Follow-up prompts enhance the effectiveness of an interview by encouraging the interviewee to provide more detailed and nuanced responses. By asking these additional questions, the interviewer can clarify ambiguities and delve deeper into topics that may not have been fully addressed. This not only enriches the information gathered but also fosters a more engaging and dynamic conversation.
• In what ways can follow-up prompts be utilized after closed-ended questions, and what are the potential outcomes?
  • After closed-ended questions, follow-up prompts can be used to ask for explanations or examples related to the brief response given. For instance, if an interviewee answers 'yes' or 'no,' a follow-up prompt might ask them to elaborate on their reasoning. This approach can lead to richer insights and may reveal underlying motivations or experiences that were not initially apparent in their short answer.
• Evaluate the role of active listening in crafting effective follow-up prompts during an interview.
  • Active listening plays a crucial role in crafting effective follow-up prompts as it allows the interviewer to engage fully with what the interviewee is saying. By paying close attention to verbal and non-verbal cues, interviewers can identify key points worth exploring further. This awareness enables them to formulate targeted follow-up prompts that not only clarify but also encourage deeper discussion, ultimately leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the interviewee's perspective.

Related terms

Clarifying Questions: Questions designed to clear up any ambiguity or confusion in the interviewee's responses, ensuring better understanding.

Probing Questions: Questions that dig deeper into specific topics or issues, encouraging the interviewee to expand on their thoughts and experiences.

Active Listening: A communication technique that involves fully focusing, understanding, and responding thoughtfully to what the interviewee is saying.