Interviewing Techniques

Interviewing Techniques Objective: • to identify techniques of interviewing and to employ these techniques

Preparation for interview • Call ahead or send e-mail to schedule an interview. • Identify yourself by name and publication. Give the nature of the article • Be punctual • Do your homework. • Dress with respect for the person you are interviewing • Write down key questions before the interview. • It's easier for a source to hang up a telephone than slam a door in your face. • Avoid ambush interviews. Be honest. Don't mislead your source -- that can be more trouble than it's worth

During the interview • Make eye contact. Nod, smile and look interested. Now is not the time to zone out. • Use the interviewee’s name • Take good notes discreetly. • Observe the surroundings. Look for details that set a mood, reveal personality

Interviewing Style—Do’s • Start by asking easy questions and get tougher as you go. Save controversial questions for near the end, but don’t skip them • Ask open-ended questions • Let the source fill the awkward moments. Allow the subject to stray from the topic. You may get another – or better – story that way. However, remain in control of the interview • Get all your information the first time • Double check spelling of all names and addresses

Interviewing style-don’ts • Don't start out by antagonizing your source. • Don't talk too much.Give the subject time to answer questions completely • Don’t ignore body language • Do not let your opinion of the interviewee or what he/she represents influence your questions or demeanor

After the interview • check your list of questions to ensure you asked them. • Ask: “Is there anything else I should ask?” • Thank the interviewee. • Re-read your notes immediately after the interview. • Write a three- to five-sentence summary in your notebook at the end of each interview

Taking notes in interview • Develop your own note-taking system. Use abbreviations. Use texting method • Jot a question mark in the margin if you need to clarify a point before the interview ends. • Always put quotation marks around direct quotes. Don’t fixate on quotes. • If the subject is saying something you won’t use or aren’t interested in, don’t write it down • Note changes in body language

What types of questions should I ask? • Open ended questions—Why, how, describe, what? • Interesting questions

What types of questions should I ask? • If stuck, ask stock questions—those that can apply to almost anyone in that position • Who has influenced you in your life • What is the one quality you have that you admire, regret • Steer away from est questions; best memory, worst experience, best game etc

Pros Obtain exact quotes; Can hear the tone Get more accurate details Cons Outside noise may interfere Interview may be more awkward Interviewee may be less willing to give information What about taping devices?--always get permission

Taping --Always continue to take notes • Qualifies important information—names, figures, dates • Maintains a sense of interest on part of reporter.

What about the internet interview? • E-mail questions/use chat rooms • Face- to-face interview is still preferable • body language • gestures • If doing research, can post a note in newsgroup to solicit opinions.

Going off the record • Reporter can use information , not give sources • Reporter cannot use information at all • Reporter and interviewee can agree to rules. • Agree when interview is back on the record • No info off the record unless reporter agrees • If reporter accepts off-the-record cannot divulge source or information

Pre-publication checking • Source wishes to red story before publication • Used to be NO • Now some reporters are reading back stories to sources 1. Good PR 2. Eliminates mistakes 3. Avoids libel cases (must show malice)

Writing the interview story • Be specific in description • Use details that tell what the person has done • Do not use physical characteristics • Use quotes often—bring the person to life • Do not say “I asked” or “when asked” • Q and A Reporter not part of the story; more objective but lazy

Interviewing Techniques