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The Role of Communication in Effective Field Interviewing

Trainer's Profile

Mr. Hassan Ali is a dedicated academic and practitioner with over 12 years of extensive experience in community services, research, and development projects. Currently serving as a Lecturer in Community Services at FAST-NUCES CFD Campus, he brings a rich blend of academic knowledge and practical expertise to his role.
He holds both M.Phil. and M.Sc. degrees in Sociology from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, equipping him with a strong foundation in social research and community development.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ali has been actively involved in various national, international, and semi-government development programs across Punjab, Pakistan. His roles have included District In-Charge, Consultant, and Project Officer, where he successfully managed and coordinated projects at the grassroots level. His collaboration with prestigious international teams such as JICA and Shenzhen University, China, highlights his capability to work in diverse and cross-cultural environments.
With more than seven years of hands-on experience in project management and over a decade of expertise in data collection and monitoring, Mr. Ali is highly proficient in leading data collection teams and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of research outcomes.
Additionally, he has contributed significantly to the academic community through his published research articles in HEC-recognized journals, reflecting his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of sociology and community development.
Mr. Hassan Ali’s comprehensive experience and academic credentials make him an invaluable resource for training sessions focused on community services, research methodologies, and development project management.

The Role of Communication in Effective Field Interviewing

Objectives

1. Understanding Survey Objectives and Understand the importance of communication.
2. Identify the ways that how to conduct interviews in an unknown/unfamiliar area.
3. Develop active listening and questioning skills.
4. Identify and apply key verbal and non-verbal communication techniques with male and female respondents.
5. How to develop the socio-economic questionnaire. 6. Effective procedure of Post-Fieldwork.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Improvements in response rates and data quality. 
  2. Mastery of Data Collection Tools. 
  3. Handling Challenges in the Field. 
  4. Team Communication and Coordination. 
  5. Time and Resource Management  

Detailed Course Content

1. What is an interview?
2. Purpose of interviews in different domains (HR, research, investigative work)
3. Types of interviews.
4. Interviewer responsibilities
5. Conducting Interviews in Non-Familiar 
6. Activity:
Scenario planning: Interviewing in a rural or cross-border context
7. Designing and Using Questionnaires
    Topics:
    • Open-ended vs. Closed-ended questions
    • Socio-economic question`s portion in questionnaire
8. Techniques:
    • The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
    • Funnel technique (broad to narrow)
    • Active listening and follow-up probing
9. Activity:
    • Group challenge: Write 5 probing questions for a hypothetical interview
10. Pre-testing and Post-testing 
11. Handling Challenges in the Field
12. Common Field Challenges
Environmental and logistical obstacles, Language and cultural barriers, Resistance from respondents, Risk Assessment and Mitigation, Safety and security planning, Contingency protocols, Adaptive Problem Solving, Case studies of real-life scenarios, Decision-making under pressure, Emotional Intelligence in the Field, Managing stress and interpersonal conflicts, Empathy and cultural sensitivity.
13. Time and Resource Management
Planning and Scheduling, Creating fieldwork timelines and Gantt charts, Setting realistic goals and milestones, Prioritization Techniques, Eisenhower Matrix, SMART goals, Balancing quality and quantity, Budgeting and Resource Allocation, Managing transport, accommodation, and allowances, Cost-saving tips and sustainability practices, Time Tracking and Optimization, Using tools for time management (e.g., Toggl, Google Calendar), 

Minimizing delays and downtime, Monitoring and Evaluation and Adjusting plans based on field realities.



Other Details

Fee per Participant: Rs 5000
Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/NUCESCFD-Workshops
Mode of Delivery: On Campus
Expected Duration: 8 hours
Number of Sessions per Days: 1
Dates: Friday, 1 August 2025