Interviewing Tips

Interviewing Tips MC3306 09.18.13

Who Should You Interview? • Any story can have a number of sources and/or soundbites • Each story will have its own vibe and needs • But in general, here’s my rankings of who should be interviewed:

Who Should You Interview? • Any story can have a number of sources and/or soundbites • Each story will have its own vibe and needs • But in general, here’s my rankings of who should be interviewed: • 1. Newsmakers – These are the people involved in the story: The firefighter who saved the woman, the politician accused of taking a bribe, the mayor who just called for a tax hike • 2. Ordinary people – Viewers relate to ordinary people. Try to find witnesses or ordinary people who are relevant to the story • 3. Experts – Insights must be relevant and reliable • 4. Spokespeople – Usually death on tape and usually a last resort

Interview Settings • In person • Pros: • Easiest way to get good sound • Builds rapport easily • You can learn more by watching the interviewee • Interviewees take you more seriously • Harder for them to back out • Cons: • Takes more time • There are plenty of distractions • You have to be personable for it to go well

Interview Settings • By phone • Pros: • Fast and efficient • Less intimidating for the interviewee • Can happen spontaneously • Cons: • You miss out on cues from the person you’re talking to • You need an app or technology to record the call • People can avoid you

Interview Settings • By email • Pros: • Gives people time for thoughtful responses • Gives people flexibility on when to respond • Easier to make sure you don’t misquote someone • Cons: • No personal interaction • Plenty of lag time • Are you sure this person is who they claim to be? • Most importantly, for broadcast…

Interview Settings • By email • Pros: • Gives people time for thoughtful responses • Gives people flexibility on when to respond • Easier to make sure you don’t misquote someone • Cons: • No personal interaction • Plenty of lag time • Are you sure this person is who they claim to be? • Most importantly, for broadcast…NO SOUND!

Setting Up The Interview • Do your homework • Get familiar with the topic • Read stories about it • Think things through • Who should I talk to? • How will I find them? • Which organizations are involved? • Make calls • Be polite • Explain what you need • Determine the best way to interview them • Set a firm time and place

Preparing For The Interview • Continue your research • You now know who you’ll be talking to, so study up on them • This helps you avoid their time • Try to find old interviews, see if you’re missing anything • Organize your questions • Start preparing questions • How do you want the interview to flow? • Should you write down your questions? • Yes/no or extensive questions • Dress Appropriately

During The Interview • Relax and start with the basics • Get their name, age, occupation on tape • Focus • Don’t get distracted or off-track • Don’t waste time • Keep your questions simple yet specific • Ask the right questions • Avoid yes or no questions when you need a specific response • LISTEN – ask relevant follow-up questions • Pay attention to body language • Don’t interrupt • Use silence to your advantage

After The Interview • Review your notes before you finish • Did you get everything you need? Did you miss anything? • Ask if they recommend another person to talk to • Ask if you missed anything • Don’t be afraid to do this. You’d rather them remind you than calling back later and having to return • Say thank you!

Interviewing Tips