A voice that looks large on the meter is not always a better recording. When a signal reaches the recording system's limit, it can clip. Loud words may then sound rough or broken. Turning that damaged track down afterward does not bring the missing detail back.
Test the loud part first
Ask the speaker to say a normal sentence, then a louder sentence similar to an excited answer. Watch the input meter during both. Reduce the microphone or interface gain if the loud sentence reaches the clipping warning. Leave visible space for an unexpected laugh or a sudden word.
The exact meter scale and warning color vary between tools. Learn the meaning of the meter in your recording setup instead of copying a screenshot from another application. Keep headphone volume separate from recording gain: turning up the headphones should not require recording a hotter signal.
Check the saved file
Record a short test and listen back. A live meter can look safe while distortion already exists earlier in the signal path. If the test sounds distorted even at a low software level, check the microphone, audio interface and any system processing before adding an effect.
Do not spend the interview chasing every small difference in level. Natural speech moves. Capture it cleanly, then make careful level adjustments during editing.
Before the real take, write down or photograph the chosen gain position for your own setup notes. If someone accidentally changes the control during a break, you can restore the tested setup quickly. Repeat the louder sentence after any microphone or interface change.