The Importance of a Preliminary Interview While Investigating the Paranormal

Sometimes it is just easier to take shortcuts. We all know that and at the same time we all know that some shortcuts should never be made. Skipping the preliminary interview and jumping into an investigation with both feet is not only a bad idea, it can end up being dangerous for all involved. In this article I am going to share a few experiences with you that other groups and friends of mine have shared with me. Please believe me when I tell you that if you think none of these could happen to you or your group, they also thought the same before they happened to them.

First let us cover why the preliminary interview is so important. Obviously this is not a standard procedure for the friends you have known for years that finally decide to let you and your group into their home. This should be done for co-workers, strangers, friends of friends, etc. This interview should be fairly relaxed, while keeping professionalism high and friendly. This helps put clients more at ease than talking to them over the phone and helps them to understand how you will go about your investigation. Personally I have found that explaining the process to the client(s) prior to the actual investigation leaves them with a lot less questions to answer during the investigation. This is also a time to get to know the new client a little better.

Who lives in the home, how long have they been there, any known history of the building or area, etc. This way all of the "standard" questions can get asked and out of the way. If at all possible the preliminary interview should be done at the location that the client is interested in having investigated. Be it an abandoned home, museum, or current residence. For obvious reasons, this cannot always be done, but it should be aimed for every prelim. interview. This will allow you/your group the opportunity to just look around and make note of anything special you may need to bring (extra extension cords, extra lighting, folding chairs, a fold out table, etc.).