What is a key objective of encouraging 'storytelling' during interviews?

Encouraging storytelling during interviews serves to facilitate a detailed and contextual understanding of the interviewee's experience. This technique allows the interviewee to articulate their thoughts and feelings in a narrative form, enabling them to provide more comprehensive insights into their perspective. Storytelling helps to paint a vivid picture of the circumstances surrounding the event or experience in question, promoting a deeper connection between the interviewer and the interviewee. This method can yield richer information, as individuals often recall details more effectively when they are allowed to express experiences in a narrative format.

Furthermore, storytelling can elicit emotions and personal reflections that may not surface during direct questioning. By encouraging the interviewee to recount their story, the interviewer can identify inconsistencies, crucial details, and emotional cues that contribute to the overall assessment of the situation. This approach is essential in forensic interviewing, where understanding the context and nuances of an individual's experience plays a critical role in gathering accurate information.