What kind of atmosphere is encouraged in best practices for conducting scheduled interviews?

A relaxed and supportive atmosphere is considered best practice for conducting scheduled interviews because it significantly increases the likelihood of gathering honest and accurate information from the interviewee. When individuals feel comfortable and supported, they are more likely to open up, trust the interviewer, and share details that may be crucial to the investigation. This approach fosters a collaborative environment where the interviewee does not feel threatened or defensive, which can lead to a more effective communication dynamic.

In such an atmosphere, the interviewer is able to build rapport, demonstrate empathy, and encourage the interviewee to express themselves freely. This can be vital for not only obtaining information but also for ensuring that the person feels respected and heard throughout the process.