summary of The Hidden Art of Interviewing People
Have you ever wanted to know what people really think? This book shows the subtle ways that professionals get honest answers, whether you’re a journalist, a manager, or just curious.
Important Things You’ll Learn:
How to Build Trust Right Away
Easy ways to get people to talk to you in a few minutes.
Ask the Right Way
Why the way you ask a question can affect whether you get the truth or lies.
Find the Hidden Signs
Body language and speech patterns that say more than words.
Avoid being defensive
How to ask hard questions without causing people to shut down.
Real-World Uses:
✔️ Managers: Get honest feedback from employees
✔️ Journalists: Get more information from interviewees
✔️ Parents: Understand what your kids aren’t saying
✔️ Negotiators: Read between the lines to get the upper hand
What Is It That Makes It Special?
Not manipulation, but connection: moral ways to promote openness.
Story-Driven: Full of real interview successes (and facepalm failures).
“People lie when they think they’re being judged” is a golden rule. When they feel like someone gets them, they tell the truth.
Great for you if:
Reading people (HR, sales, law enforcement) is a big part of your job.
You don’t want to talk about shallow things anymore.
You want to really listen and hear what other people won’t say out loud.