Let modern AF do the work, and know when to take over.
For people, continuous AF that tracks eyes and faces is the default. Pick a tracking area and let it follow.
A7 V: AF-C with Tracking + Eye AF (human/animal). For interviews, set AF Transition Speed to 3–4 and Subject Shift Sensitivity to 2 so focus doesn't jump to the background.
Blue = what's in focus around the subject (●).
At f/1.4–2.8 close up, only a few centimetres are sharp. Stop down a little for moving subjects or groups.
Use manual focus for products, rack focus between objects, or when AF hunts in the dark. Turn on focus peaking and magnification.
Separating focus from the shutter lets you lock focus, recompose and shoot without refocusing.
Sony: AF-C + Tracking + Eye AF for people. Try back-button focus: set AF On to the AF-ON button and turn shutter-half-press AF off.