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Interviewing

Interviewing. Media Writing I. Interviewing. Key to success for a good communications professional. Two main parts Asking good questions LISTENING!!!!. Interviewing. Steps in the process Identifying the story topic and angle Identifying the source(s) Background Research

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Interviewing

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  1. Interviewing Media Writing I

  2. Interviewing • Key to success for a good communications professional. • Two main parts • Asking good questions • LISTENING!!!!

  3. Interviewing • Steps in the process • Identifying the story topic and angle • Identifying the source(s) • Background Research • Don’t interview people for facts, interview for reactions

  4. Information Search • How much time do I have to track down information? • What do I need to know? • How will I use this information? • Who is the audience for this information?

  5. Interviewing • Story types and interviewing • News story • Subject focused • People are secondary • Profile • People focused • Other topics are secondary • Investigative story • Need to know both

  6. Interviewing • News stories • Time is usually short • Clips, other writers are good background sources • Rapport with regular sources for your beat will serve you well

  7. Interviewing • Profiles • Good profiles are difficult to write • Background information • Basics, age, education, etc. • Know their works • Know their subjects • Know their hobbies, if possible • Dress to match • Interview friends, family, etc. • “Shadow” them, if possible

  8. Interviewing • Investigative stories • Adversarial relationship? • Know the answers to the questions you ask • Start with people on the fringes and work your way in to the main source • Get as much evidence as possible ahead of time

  9. Interviewing • Phrasing questions • The way you ask a question • Signals the response you expect • Can reveal your own point of view on the issue • May block a response • “Are you still dumping chemicals into the river” • Ask them questions they can answer

  10. Types of Interviews • Informational Interview • Situational Interview • Confrontational Interview • Personal Interview • Professional Interview

  11. Interviewing • Open-ended questions • Questions that require more than a “yes” or “no” answer • Work from general to specific • These questions are less direct and less threatening

  12. Interviewing • Closed-ended questions • Asking a specific question to get a specific answer • Plan when to ask these questions and who you are going to ask • Keep asking until your source gives you an adequate response or tells you where to find the information

  13. Interviewing • Rapport • The relationship between the reporter and the source • Critical to the success of the interview • Look for commonalities with your subject

  14. Interviewing nuts and bolts • Establishing a rapport • Look around the office • Photos of family • Pets • Sporting “trophies” • Weather

  15. Interviewing nuts and bolts • Setting up the interview • Work with the subject, but suggest a time • Estimate how long you will need • Be prepared if it goes longer • Set the place • Interviewee’s office? (puts them at ease) • Neutral territory • Be cautious of noise • Privacy issues? • Possible return for more information • Call/ e-mail back to check accuracy

  16. Interviewing nuts and bolts • What to bring • What about a tape recorder? • Don’t count on it working • Notebook choices • Writing instruments • What not to bring • Cell phone • Pager • Chewing Gum

  17. Interviewing nuts and bolts • List of questions • Write out the main questions you want to ask • DO NOT write them on your notebook with space after each one • Maybe just a list of main points

  18. Interviewing nuts and bolts • Start with the easy questions • Good time to confirm name spelling (don’t ask this if there is a sign on his or her desk) • Title • these can change from published material, unless the promotion is why you’re there • Other basic info if you have questions

  19. Interviewing nuts and bolts • Ask the general questions first • LISTEN to their answers • They will frequently answer more than one of your questions at a time. • If their answers lead you to a better story, just keep writing and follow that vein

  20. Interviewing nuts and bolts • Empathy is important • Silence is helpful • Non-verbal cues • Body language • Look them in the eye

  21. Interviewing and accuracy • No one wants to be misquoted • No good reporter wants to misquote a source • Arrange for a possible call back to check accuracy of quotes, fill in any blanks • Call back even if you really don’t need to • Send an email or note thanking source for their time

  22. Interviewing • Conclusion • Anything that I haven’t ask that I should have? • Anything else you’d like to add? • Give them your contact information (telephone is probably best) • Review your notes (flip through) • Put the pen away. Open your ears • Tell them when the story may appear • Offer to send additional copies

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