TB Contact Investigation Interviewing Skills Course

• Essential to an individual’s learning process
• Provides the participant information about their performance they may not otherwise see
• Gives the participant an opportunity to ask specifically how they can improve
• Boosts confidence for someone who may not realize how good they really are!

1 negative comment

[IMAGE: Nine bars with “Positive Comment” written on each bar with an “equal” sign next to one bar with “Negative Comment” written on it.]

1. Actual behavior
2. Descriptive
3. Specific
4. Nonjudgmental
5. Invites a response

1. Actual Behavior

Comment on what the person does (behavior) and not what you think of them

2. Be Descriptive

Use words that describe actions instead of adjectives about the person

• Appropriate: “I observed that you rarely paused while speaking”
• Inappropriate: “You talk way too fast”
• Appropriate: “I see you tend to keep your eyes on your notes”
• Inappropriate: “You don’t seem very friendly”

3. Be Specific

• Aimed at concrete, specific, changeable, behaviors
• Things which can be focused on:
  • Rate of speech
  • Use of jargon
  • Technique
  • Content
• Things not to focus on:
  • Speech qualities (e.g., high pitch, accent)
  • Nervousness
  • Physical challenges

4. Nonjudgmental

• Use “I” statements – not “You…”
  • “I see you have another way of doing it…” vs. “Your technique is wrong.”
  • “I wish you projected more and made eye contact” vs. “You looked depressed.”

5. Invite Response

• How do you think you did?”
• “Would you have done anything differently?”

1. Start off positive: “I liked when…”
   –Emphasize strengths
   –Focus on unique contributions and creativity
   –Mention challenges that were handled well

2. Transition into areas needing improvement (1-3)
   – State what the improvement could be

• Example: “I think you have a very pleasant voice.  I wish you could project better so others can hear you.

3. End with a summary and positive general statement

• Accept feedback without being defensive
• Listen to comments without interrupting
• Accept feedback with appreciation – feedback is not easy to provide
• Request further clarification if needed

• Everyone brings unique experiences to the interviewing process
• Your peers are the best teachers you will have – value their feedback