Most people can master the techniques of interviewing. The difference between good and bad interviewers is not skill, it is attitude. Without a positive attitude, interviewers will fail regardless of their technical abilities. Good interviewers learn to adapt to particular situations by being sensitive to the needs of each client - above all, they are nonjudgmental. The goal is to treat each response with equal respect, even though it may contradict one's own personal values.

The interviewer must not allow his or her own values to influence the woman's response. Respect the woman's perceptions about her drinking while helping her change her beliefs. Recognize that her motivation is key to changing drinking behavior. This can sometimes be hard when working with a pregnant woman who is drinking alcohol.

Your approach should be:

1. Impartial. As an interviewer, your job is to elicit information, regardless of whether you think it good or bad. Don't, by word or reaction, indicate surprise, pleasure, or disapproval of any answer. Even a slight intake of breath will cue a woman that you have reacted to her answer. Don't attempt to influence responses. The truth is all that really countsÑwhat the woman really thinks or feels about drinking. Remember the object of the intervention is to get honest, uninfluenced answers. None of your opinions should be conveyed during the interview.
2. Confident. As a trained professional, you should appear confident. No one knows your job better than you do. If you convey insecurity or hesitancy the woman may become defensive.
3. Casual. If you pursue the interview too earnestly, too grimly, the woman may not want to share i nformation with you. She won't tell you what she honestly thinks. Approach the interview pleasurably, and let the client enjoy it too.
4. Conversational. Use a less formal manner of speaking, natural to you. Know the questions you will be asking so that you never sound as though you're reading them.
5. Friendly. A major objective is to put the client at ease. Your attitude must be sympathetic and understanding. Emphasize that there are no correct answers. Rather, encourage the woman that what she thinks really is what counts. An opinion can never be wrong.
6. Empathetic. Use an empathic, nonconfrontational style when asking questions.

Try to avoid the following interviewer pitfalls:

1. Try not to rush the woman. Let her understand the questions fully. Don't show impatience. Remember, that you must instill confidence and trust, rushing may make her not want to disclose information to you.
2. Avoid doing anything that suggests to the woman that an answer is right or wrong.
3. Do not use pejorative labels such as "alcoholic" or "problem drinker."
4. Do not allow another family member to sit in on the interview.