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Interviewing 101…. Jeanne Acton, ILPC director. Your assignment …. Partner with someone (not a friend) Ask them four to five questions Switch Write a brief story about the person — lead and at least one DIRECT quote Write in third person Short paragraphs (30-60 words) Active voice.
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Interviewing 101… Jeanne Acton, ILPC director
Your assignment … • Partner with someone (not a friend) • Ask them four to five questions • Switch • Write a brief story about the person — lead and at least one DIRECT quote • Write in third person • Short paragraphs (30-60 words) • Active voice
Your assignment … • A few volunteers read their stories
Types of interviews • news interview • feature/profile interview • survey/short interview
Six steps to preparation • Build up student’s self esteem • Review basics of interviewing • Practice • Prepare • Do it • Debrief – What worked? What didn’t?
Before the interview • Research what you can • Set up a time/place for interview • Prepare (write questions) • Prepare materials (paper, pens, tape recorder, etc)
Tips for interviewing • Know the subject and issue • Start with the easier questions • Focus on how and why questions (avoid yes/no questions) • Don’t be intimidated • Avoid “off the record” statements • Have questions prepared
Tips for interviewing • Don’t be afraid to veer off from your questions • Ask open-ended questions. Not “Why is the new tardy policy failing?” Ask. “How is the new tardy policy doing? Figures?” • Notice everything. Observe. • Interview away from friends. NEVER in a lunch room or hallway.
Tips for interviewing • Don’t let them see your notes • Ask tough questions last • Have a conversation • Build trust • Control the interview • Don’t be afraid to reveal a little about yourself.
Tips for interviewing • Don’t be afraid of emotions • Go to their space, if possible • Be prepared to interview more than once • Interview friends and family when appropriate • Dig deep • End interview with, “Anything I missed, anything you want to add?
Notetaking • Do it. • Write the important quotes. • Develop a short-hand if possible. • Transcribe as quickly as possible. • Practice, practice, practice. • Take a tape recorder if possible. • Verify notes (optional).
What goes wrong with interviewing? • Lack of preparation. • Missing materials. • Missed the angle. • Inappropriate dress. • Not listening. • Aimlessness. • Fear.
What goes wrong? • Bad notes • Lost control of interview • Reporter is late/misses interview • Friends tag along (either side) • Subject too dry
Students should know… • Not every interview must go in the story. • Everyone doesn’t always tell the truth. FACT check. • Sometimes people deny saying things after they see it in print. • Good interviewing skills take time to develop. • Interviewing well is not an easy job.
Your assignment … • Partner up with the same person again. • Take time to write a few questions. Look for an angle. • Interview them again. • Write the beginning of a new story – at least the lead and two quotes
Possible questions… • What has had the biggest impact on your life so far? • Describe one of the best moments of your life. • Why did you decide to teach journalism? • Where do you see yourself in 10 years? How will you get there?
Possible questions… • Describe one of the toughest moments of your life. • What do you see as the biggest obstacle in your life so far? • Why did you decide to apply for ASNE? What do you hope to get out of it?
Your assignment … • Share time. • What do we like? • What was better this time?