This class period focused on preparing to do the depth interview assignment that is due on November 21st. The following guidelines were discussed. There will be a more detailed handout next week.

DEPTH INTERVIEW

Procedures:

1. Identify and contact an individual who uses persuasion as an important part of their profession.

2. Explain what you are doing* and set up a time to do the interview. Each interview should be able to be completed in approximately 30 minutes.

3. Make arrangements to tape record the interview (if that is acceptable to the subject), and/or be prepared to take extensive notes.

*You can use the following as an introduction

My name is ________ and I'm a student at the University of Oregon. I'm currently enrolled in a course in which we are studying how people use persuasion in the everyday practice of their professions. I would like to set up an appointment to interview you. The interview should take no more than 30 minutes.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

• How long have you been in your current profession (job)?
  • *If less than five years, ask what they were doing prior to their current job.

• What is your educational background?
  • (Note: Here you are looking for specific training in persuasion e.g., psychology courses, communication, sales training, etc.)

• In your work as a ________________ when you need to persuade someone to _____________, how do you go about doing that?

• Follow-up questions:
  • Why do you (restate what they say, e.g.,"act friendly" "compliment the customer" "tell my client the facts" etc....)? or

  • Why is it important to do that?

*Be sure to ask the follow-up questions about each of the things they mention doing when they are trying to be persuasive.