A talk show panel is an excellent way to look at a subject from various viewpoints and communicate diverse opinions to the public. So for this activity, you’ll be creating a list of talking points for a panel discussion on interviewing techniques used with witnesses and victims of a crime. You’ll also be creating three moderator-curated panelist questions and a response for each.
Step 1: Talking Point List Creation
The traditional panel includes the following elements: welcome message, introduction of the panelists, panelist presentations, moderator questions directedatthepanelists
, a summary, and a thank you.
For this activity, you will be creating content that would be used in the panelist presentations. You will start by creating a ‘talking point’ list.
This list should include:
At least five ‘Dos or Don’ts’ for interviewing witnesses and victims
At least three interviewing techniques that can be used for effective questioning
Two to three sentences/details that could be used as ‘talking points’ for each of the components you’ve listed.
Here’s an example:
Interviewing ‘Don’t’ # 1:
Do not assume that all suspects are going to lie. Although interviewers should always be on the lookout for body language and other information that suggests a witness isn’t telling the truth, assuming everyone is being dishonest can lead to loss of valuable evidence. Instead, pay attention to eye contact and gestures.
Step 2: Moderator-Curated Question Creation
After you create your talking point list, it’s time to come up with a list of panel questions. During panel discussions, a moderator leads much of the dialogue through direct questioning.
During this step, you’ll come up with three important questions centered on interviewing techniques used with witnesses and victims. You’ll also need to come up with a possible response for each. Your response should be at least three to four sentences in length and detailed enough to fully answer the question.
Step 3: Combine Both Lists
Now that you’ve finished Steps 1 and 2, combine both lists into one comprehensive document that could be presented to panel experts.
To complete this activity, please submit your list.
Talking Point List:
1. Dos or Don'ts for interviewing witnesses and victims:
- Do establish rapport and make the interviewee feel comfortable by creating a safe environment for them to share their experiences.
- Do actively listen to what the witness or victim is saying without interrupting or imposing your own assumptions.
- Don't use leading questions that could inadvertently influence the witness's or victim's response.
- Do use open-ended questions to encourage detailed and descriptive answers.
- Don't rush the interview process; allow the witness or victim time to gather their thoughts and emotions before responding.
2. Interviewing techniques for effective questioning:
- Cognitive Interviewing: Encourages witnesses and victims to mentally reinstate the context of the event, which can help enhance memory recall and provide more accurate information.
- Narrative Interviewing: Allows the interviewee to freely tell their story in their own words, providing a comprehensive account of the events from their perspective.
- Social Support Interviewing: Involves acknowledging and validating the emotions of the witness or victim, which can help build trust and facilitate more honest communication.
Moderator-Curated Questions:
1. How can interviewers balance the need for information gathering with the need to support the emotional well-being of witnesses and victims during an interview?
Response: Interviewers should prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment for witnesses and victims, actively listening to their experiences, and balancing the need for information gathering with empathy and understanding. It is essential to acknowledge and address the emotional impact of the crime while still ensuring a thorough investigation.
2. What strategies can interviewers use to determine the credibility and reliability of information provided by witnesses and victims?
Response: Interviewers can assess credibility by comparing the witness's statements to other evidence, observing body language and emotions, and analyzing consistency in their accounts. It is important to conduct detailed questioning, verify information through corroborating evidence, and assess the witness's level of detail and clarity in their responses.
3. How can interviewers adapt their questioning techniques when working with witnesses or victims who may be experiencing trauma or have difficulty recalling details?
Response: Interviewers should approach these interviews with sensitivity and patience, recognizing the impact of trauma on memory and communication. Techniques such as cognitive interviewing, providing breaks, and using supportive language can help facilitate the witness's ability to recall information accurately and comfortably share their experiences.