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Interviewing

Interviewing. How to make or break your story. Do your research. Research the subject – find out as much background as you can Gather a list of sources both primary and secondary Think about options – do you need to take a photographer with you? Start formulating questions – have at least 10.

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Interviewing

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  1. Interviewing How to make or break your story

  2. Do your research • Research the subject – find out as much background as you can • Gather a list of sources both primary and secondary • Think about options – do you need to take a photographer with you? • Start formulating questions – have at least 10

  3. Formulating the questions • Begin with questions the source can answer quickly • Name – ask them to spell it out even if it is John Doe • How long have you been doing… • How did you get involved… • Stay away from questions that yield one word answers • Questions that begin with Do, Will, Are, Can, will result in one word answers • Formulate questions this way • Tell me about… • How would you… • If you could…what would you do (say)…

  4. Questions • Ask meaningful questions that will result in a story being told • If the source is not giving a good answer, push them a bit by asking “how and why”, “can you expand on that thought?”, “tell me more about that”

  5. The interview • Schedule in advance and give yourself enough time • Get comfortable. Talk casually. You are having a conversation! • Listen! Be non-judgemental and don’t insert your opinion if they give you an answer you don’t agree with. You are relaying a story, not creating a story • Interview with your eyes. You come with a list of questions, but the surroundings also tell a story. What is around the source defines the source. • Watch mannerisms, clothing choices, tidyness of the room

  6. The interview • Don’t be afraid to ask the person to clarify a statement. Repeat what you thought they said • When concluding the interview, review your notes quickly and ask any clarifying questions. • Ask, is there anything you would like to add that I may not have covered? • Be on time and end on time • Don’t believe everything a source tells you. Check for accuracy with other sources.

  7. The Interview • Ask if you can contact them if you have more questions and ask if email or phone is acceptable • Email interviews are good in a pinch, but you will lose the flavor of the person if you rely on this too much. • Don’t promise a source they can review the story before it goes to print. • Get both sides to the story • If you are going to record the interview, you must ask permission • Make sure your equipment works. Test it first

  8. Reasons why an interview fails • No appointment • Dressed inappropriately • Questions were superficial and weak • You did not bring a writing utensils • You did not ask follow up questions • You went to the interview with preconceived notions • You didn’t truly listen • You were not friendly • You talked too much • You used too much informal language/slang

  9. Homework • Choose a person to interview. You will be doing a personality profile • Email a list of 10 questions to me before Tuesday’s class • Page 101 in The Radical Write • Read chapter 8

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