Talk Show Panel Talking Points

Question

Required Materials
Word processing software
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 (directed at the panelists), 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.

Answer 1

Panel Discussion on Interviewing Techniques with Witnesses and Victims of a Crime

Step 1: Talking Points List Creation

Interviewing ‘Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’

1. Interviewing ‘Don’t’ #1: Do not assume that all witnesses are lying.
Assuming that witnesses are dishonest can hinder the investigation and alienate potential sources of valuable information. Interviewers should remain neutral and open, recognizing that witnesses can provide crucial insights. Instead of jumping to conclusions, focus on gathering as much information as possible while being receptive to the witness's perspective.

2. Interviewing ‘Do’ #1: Always create a comfortable and safe environment for witnesses.
Establishing a non-threatening atmosphere can help witnesses feel more at ease and willing to share information. This can be done by choosing a quiet, private location for the interview and using approachable body language. It's essential to build trust so that witnesses feel secure in providing accurate and detailed accounts of their experiences.

3. Interviewing ‘Don’t’ #2: Do not use leading questions or suggestive language.
Leading questions can inadvertently manipulate a witness’s response, skewing the information obtained during the interview. Instead, ask open-ended questions that allow witnesses to share their narratives in their own words. This helps to elicit richer details and a more accurate recounting of events.

4. Interviewing ‘Do’ #2: Use active listening techniques.
Active listening involves not only hearing what the witness is saying but also showing empathy and validating their feelings. Techniques such as nodding, summarizing their points, and maintaining eye contact can encourage witnesses to elaborate on their accounts. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and can reveal additional critical details about the incident.

5. Interviewing ‘Don’t’ #3: Don’t rush the interview process.
Taking time during the interview is vital to uncovering all necessary information. Pressuring a witness to answer quickly may lead to incomplete or inaccurate details. It's important to allow pauses and give witnesses time to think and respond in their own timeframe.

Interviewing Techniques for Effective Questioning

1. Technique #1: Cognitive Interviewing.
This method involves enhancing the witness’s memory by asking them to recreate the context of the event, encouraging them to recall the details of the incident without interruption. Cognitive interviewing techniques can include having the witness describe the event in reverse order or focus on specific sensory details, which can jog their memory and yield richer data.

2. Technique #2: The PEACE Model.
The PEACE model (Preparation, Engagement, Account, Closure, Evaluation) is a structured approach to interviewing that emphasizes rapport-building and allows witnesses to provide comprehensive accounts. By focusing on the account and engaging witnesses thoroughly during the interaction, interviewers can obtain clearer, more relevant testimony while ensuring emotional support for the witness.

3. Technique #3: Use of Visual Aids.
Incorporating visual aids such as diagrams, photographs, or timelines can help witnesses better articulate their experiences and recollections. Visual aids can serve as prompts that stimulate memory and detail recall, making it easier for witnesses to convey vital elements of a situation.

Step 2: Moderator-Curated Question Creation

Question #1: What role does empathy play in the interviewing process of witnesses and victims?
Response:
Empathy is crucial during interviews as it helps to create a safe environment for witnesses and victims to share their experiences. When interviewers demonstrate understanding and compassion, it fosters trust and encourages individuals to disclose more comprehensive information. Empathetic interactions are particularly important in sensitive cases, as victims may be dealing with trauma that can affect their willingness to communicate details about the event.

Question #2: How can interviewers effectively handle witnesses who may be hesitant or reluctant to share their information?
Response:
When faced with hesitant witnesses, interviewers should first demonstrate understanding and patience. Building rapport through small talk or expressing empathy for the situation can ease tension. Additionally, employing open-ended questions and allowing witnesses to take their time can create a more conducive atmosphere for sharing. It’s essential to reassure them that their information is valuable and that they will not be judged regardless of their perspective.

Question #3: Can you explain the importance of follow-up questions during the interviewing process?
Response:
Follow-up questions are critical for clarifying and expanding upon initial responses. They show that the interviewer is engaged and interested, prompting witnesses to delve deeper into their accounts. Good follow-up questions can reveal nuances and details that are paramount for investigations, as they encourage witnesses to think critically about their statements, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the incident.

Step 3: Combined Document

Panel Discussion on Interviewing Techniques with Witnesses and Victims of a Crime

Welcome Message

Welcome everyone to our panel discussion on interviewing techniques used with witnesses and victims of crime. Today, we aim to explore various perspectives and best practices in this critical field.

Introduction of Panelists

We are joined today by experts in criminal justice, psychology, and investigative techniques.

Panelist Presentations

Interviewing ‘Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’:

1. Do not assume that all witnesses are lying.

   • Assumptions can hinder investigations. Focus on gathering information and remain open to different perspectives.

2. Always create a comfortable and safe environment for witnesses.

   • A non-threatening atmosphere encourages openness. Choose quiet locations and use approachable body language.

3. Do not use leading questions or suggestive language.

   • Open-ended questions promote accurate recounting. Leading questions can distort witness responses.

4. Use active listening techniques.

   • Showing empathy through active engagement encourages witnesses to provide details. Validate their feelings and maintain focus.

5. Don’t rush the interview process.

   • Taking time is essential for accuracy. Allow witnesses the necessary pause to think and respond thoughtfully.

Interviewing Techniques for Effective Questioning:

1. Cognitive Interviewing.

   • This method enhances recall by having witnesses recreate the context of the event through specific prompts.

2. The PEACE Model.

   • A structured approach emphasizing rapport and comprehensive accounts, allowing for emotional support and clarity.

3. Use of Visual Aids.

   • Visual prompts help witnesses articulate memories, providing context and details that may otherwise be missed.

Moderator-Curated Panelist Questions

1. Question: What role does empathy play in the interviewing process of witnesses and victims?

   • Response: Empathy fosters trust and a safe atmosphere. It encourages individuals to share more comprehensive accounts, especially important in sensitive cases.

2. Question: How can interviewers effectively handle witnesses who may be hesitant or reluctant to share their information?

   • Response: Building rapport through understanding and patience, along with open-ended questions, can ease tension and promote sharing.

3. Question: Can you explain the importance of follow-up questions during the interviewing process?

   • Response: Follow-up questions clarify initial responses, prompting witnesses to think critically and deepen their accounts, which is vital for investigations.

Summary

Our discussion today illuminated the complexities and necessities of effective interviewing techniques with witnesses and victims of crime. By harnessing empathy, structured approaches like the PEACE model, and active listening strategies, we can improve outcomes in investigations.

Thank You

Thank you for joining us today. We appreciate your participation and engagement in this crucial dialogue about improving interviewing techniques in the pursuit of justice.