What is one of the four stages of interviewing?

The focus stage of interviewing is critical as it sets the tone and direction for the conversation. During this stage, the interviewer establishes what the interview will cover and clarifies the purpose of the meeting. This ensures that both the interviewer and the interviewee are aligned on the goals of the interaction, allowing for a more structured and effective interview process. By establishing focus early on, the interviewer can guide the conversation towards relevant topics, facilitating a deeper understanding of the interviewee's perspective and experiences.

The other stages, such as introduction, assessment, and conclusion, all play important roles in the interviewing process but do not specifically address the initial stage of creating a focused dialogue. Each of these stages serves distinct purposes, such as building rapport, gathering information, and summarizing findings, but the focus stage is crucial for initiating an effective exchange of information.