Tracy Paranormal Society

Interviewing witnesses is no easy task but, has to be done. To be a good paranormal interviewer there are a few traits you must have, patient, compassionate, caring and precise. These traits show the witness(s) that you are there for them during this time of crises. The initial Call Sure you will be extremely happy and nervous that you are getting a call to investigate but remember this has now become a “pre-screen” so make sure you ask questions before you agree to investigate the site. The core set of questions I usually use are as follows:

1. What is the phenomenon they are experiencing? - This helps with determining the classification of the occurrence.
2. Currentness – How often does the occurrence happen, when was the last occurrence?
3. Are there additional witnesses other than your self? If so would they be willing to be interviewed?

The Interview The keys to interviewing witnesses is being a good listener, taking notes, both writing and recorded seems to be the most accurate way to document what they relay to you. During the interview do not at any point say “sounds like a classic haunting” or anything to that effect, at this point you are asking questions and being a good listener and on a fact finding mission, without evaluating the witness statements with your team and an actual investigation you do not know what the occurrences are if there is any. During this interview session you will need a set of questions,  I would recommend starting with the very basics:

1. What are the occurrences?
2. How often does the occurrence happen
3. At what times does the occurrence happen?
4. Where does this happen (location)
5. Who lives in the home
6. how long have you lived here

Also it is a great idea to have the home owner walk you through the areas in question, but, at no given time should equipment be used other than your voice recorder, a pencil and paper.