talking talking talking

I spent lunchtime finishing my notes on an interview I had with esqgirl earlier in the week. The purpose was to provide material for a paper I'm working on, but the by-product has been wonderful:

Two realizations.

1. I like interviewing. I like hearing people's thoughts and eliciting their ideas, hearing their approach to a subject.

2. I'm not especially good at it. I don't always know what to ask or how to steer a conversation; esqgirl's ease and speaking ability saved me this time.

I'm wondering now...
I have this shiny little tape recorder. I have lots of friends with interesting opinions, especially about religion.

How do I learn to be a better interviewer? And...perhaps...how do I form those into a coherent whole?

Hoo!