Redirecting

Definition

Redirecting is a technique used in interviews to guide the conversation back to the main topic or to encourage a more focused response from the interviewee. This approach helps interviewers maintain control of the dialogue, ensuring that the most relevant information is obtained while also allowing the subject to elaborate on important points. Effective redirecting can enhance the quality of the interview and lead to deeper insights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Redirecting helps prevent interviews from straying off-topic, which can waste time and dilute the quality of information gathered.
2. This technique is especially useful when an interviewee provides overly vague or tangential responses, allowing the interviewer to bring focus back to key issues.
3. Effective redirecting involves both verbal cues, like paraphrasing, and non-verbal cues, such as nodding or maintaining eye contact, to encourage the interviewee to stay on track.
4. Using redirecting can foster a more productive dialogue by signaling to the interviewee that their insights are valued while guiding them back to critical topics.
5. It’s essential for interviewers to practice redirecting in a natural way so that it doesn't come across as abrupt or dismissive, maintaining a comfortable atmosphere for discussion.

Review Questions

• How does redirecting influence the flow of an interview and improve information gathering?
  • Redirecting plays a crucial role in managing the flow of an interview by ensuring that discussions stay relevant and focused on key topics. When an interviewer uses this technique effectively, it encourages interviewees to provide more precise and valuable information rather than getting lost in unrelated anecdotes. This focused approach not only enhances the overall quality of the interview but also helps in obtaining richer insights from the subject.
• What strategies can be employed to effectively implement redirecting during an interview without alienating the interviewee?
  • To implement redirecting effectively, interviewers can use techniques such as active listening and asking clarifying follow-up questions. It's important to maintain a conversational tone and show genuine interest in the interviewee's responses while gently steering them back to relevant points. By using verbal and non-verbal cues that signal attentiveness, interviewers can ensure that redirecting feels supportive rather than controlling, preserving rapport throughout the process.
• Evaluate how mastering redirecting can transform an interviewer’s skills and lead to more successful interviews.
  • Mastering redirecting can significantly enhance an interviewer’s skills by equipping them with tools to maintain focus and control during conversations. This skill allows for deeper exploration of topics that matter most while fostering a comfortable environment for dialogue. As a result, interviews become more productive and informative, ultimately leading to higher-quality outcomes and richer narratives that resonate with audiences.

Related terms

Active Listening:

A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the other person is saying.

Follow-up Questions:

Questions that are asked after an initial response to clarify or gain more in-depth information about a specific point.

Topic Control: The ability of an interviewer to steer and manage the flow of conversation to ensure that relevant subjects are adequately covered.