I liked that point John made too, about it being one interview in many for us but a BIG DEAL for the interviewee.
And I agree with you that we can forget that we’re dealing with people and not just facts and deadlines.
Nice advice about listening – although hard to do sometimes when you’re thinking about so much else:)

I especially like how John points out that for the interviewer the process could be one of a potential handful you’ll do that day or week on the subject but for the interviewee it could be the most important/frightening/invasive or courageous thing they’ve done that day.

I think as journalist’s it can be easy to be so driven by your story and getting the facts that you can forget that.

Some of the best advice i ever received that seems obvious when you read it but harder in practice, is simply to listen to the subject. And listen intently, without prejudice and with a genuine interest. This will allow the interview to go where it needs to go, you’ll have a better understanding of your subject and your story will be potentially better.