My passion for working with subject matter experts is an outgrowth from my early career as a daily journalist. I had the opportunity to interview famous, talented, brilliant people…and some big-time politicians, too. 

Of all the greats I have had the great fortune to meet, Ella Fitzgerald stands out among the crowd. I was in my mid-20s, and she was in her mid-70s. Go ahead, do that math. We were both in our prime. Preparing for that interview taught me one of the foundational lessons that I carried forward into other work with subject matter experts – do your homework!

Ella Fitzgerald is nothing if not the ultimate female vocalist. Her talent went beyond jazz – although it can be stated with some confidence she helped define the genre. She also delivered popular music with a melodic flair and clear voice. I am still in awe over her delivery of A Tisket A Tasket at 70-something in a crystalline, little girl voice.

Know Your Subject Matter Expert

When I was given the opportunity to be alone in a room (seriously) with possibly the greatest female vocalist of all time, I was – let’s just say – nervous. Excited and nervous. What does one ask Ella Fitzgerald?

My father was a jazz pianist. I grew up on Satin Doll. So I told Dad, who was flabbergasted by this opportunity. I needed some help here. What should I ask her? What would you want to know, as someone who has played her book for 30 years?

Boy, am I glad I asked him. He gave me wisdom that has served me well in my career as a journalist, writer and trainer. Get familiar with your subject matter expert before you meet with them.

If you get only one shot at speaking with someone of that caliber, and trust me, you get only one very limited window, make sure you find out something important. Use your time with them wisely. His first advice? “Whatever you do, don’t ask her how she got started. Everybody knows about the Apollo in Harlem. She’ll blow you off as a stupid kid and you won’t get another question. Go read about her background then ask her something about music.”

I didn’t have his background in music, so I downloaded some info from Pop.

“What should I ask her?”

He thought about her material, her records, what he played, and asked why she did certain things on certain songs. I had some meaty questions that had some knowledge behind them.

A Blur

I got in to see her with my little reporter’s notebook, no doubt damp from sweat. I asked her dad’s questions. She was interested, really interested. She liked the questions. We had a little singer’s talk. And to this day, it was a blur.

In fact, I recently found the program from the show and now I need to find my article. Somehow, as I look back, that was such a defining moment I need to make sure I’ve preserved it for my dotage.

For you, as a trainer and instructional designer, what are the takeaways?

Two Lessons from The Ella Experience

Do your homework. That means know enough not to ask such a stupid question that your SME disregards you. You won’t get what you need because you don’t really understand the background and context, and you won’t get what you need because the SME won’t waste his or her time bothering to tell you.

Record and document. An interview with a world-class subject matter expert is a once in a lifetime shot to get some valuable information and perhaps even record that person for posterity. No, I wasn’t allowed to record my interview with Ella. But make sure you try to record the incredibly intelligent and experienced people you will meet so you don’t miss anything in the blur of the moment. Ask permission as necessary.

Not all subject matter experts are in the class of Ella Fitzgerald. But there are people of her caliber in all areas of endeavor and all walks of life, yes, even politics. As someone who designs, writes and delivers training, you are sure to encounter people who have risen to the top of their organization or their field all the time.

Respect them all. Honor their greatness. And get to know them before they get to know you.