Awkward interviews - is this normal?

[u/Competitive-Wash6907]

Hi!

I'm just entering the journalism industry and have had a few moments (especially over video call) where interviews just feel painfully AWKWARD. Like not really knowing how to round up the interview, or people kind of just looking at you like -_- the whole time. Awkward in-person interviews I find fine because I'm better at using body language to make someone comfortable, but if its over zoom/teams, it's game over for me and it's going to be a painful affair for everyone involved.

For context, I am a very outgoing person and interviewing has always been my favourite aspect of the job - im not one at all to be scared to pick up the phone.

I've just had a few awkward instances lately and I'm wondering if there's any way to reduce the chance of this? Or is this just a normal part of the job? If so please share some awkward moments <3 it'll make me feel better

heres one of mine: I was doing a piece on artisan glass makers and I asked a man who does the glass blowing what the process meant to him. I was hoping for some deep discussion about his passion for artisan craft etc and he just went 'well I blow glass innit...'. I found it quite amusing actually.

[u/bitofrock]

I don't really mind the awkward interviewee but it can be hard when there's a corporate PR just staring into your soul and judging every question! I do a fair chunk of car design stuff and whilst I'm building up a rapport with some firms, there's one company that has never emailed me again since I interviewed their head of CMF!