ENG 223: Journalistic Writing

1. ENG 223: Journalistic Writing Week 10

2. Imagine that you are a journalist…you are assigned to your beat which is the palace of Queen Rania of Jordan How do I prepare for this interview?

3. You want to get a SCOOP( an exclusive story that no one else has reported)

4. You are aiming for a PULITZER PRIZE ( an annual award given for excellence in journalism, literature and the arts).

5. Executive Summary CHAPTER 7: Interviewing Techniques • Interviewing is a vital skill for any journalist. • It is one of the most important ways to gather information and create content for a story. • Good interview technique requires practice so don't expect to master it immediately.

6. Executive Summary • Sensitivity • Be sensitive to the person you will be interviewing • Public or private individual? • Listening and Note-Taking Skills • Do not concentrate so much on your notes that you will miss out on the non-verbal expressions or gestures of the interviewee • Tape Recorders: The Pros and Cons • Ask the interviewee if he or she is comfortable with having a tape recorder during the interview

7. Executive Summary • Listening Tips • Focus on the “hear” and now • Practice conversational listening • Do critical listening • Be quiet • Be responsive • Listen to what isn’t said • Listen with your eyes • Be polite • Block out personal intrusions • Develop listening curiosity

8. Executive Summary • Note-taking Tips • Be prepared • Concentrate • Use key words • Develop a shorthand • Slow the pace • Request repetition • Make eye contact • Make your margins or notebook covers • Verify vital information

9. Executive Summary • Note-taking Tips • Double-check • Be open-minded • Use a symbol system • Stand and deliver • Save your notes • Transcribe notes only for major stories

10. Executive Summary • Planning the Interview • Research the background • Identify your goals • Plan your questions • Request the interview • Dress appropriately • Arrive on time

11. Executive Summary • Conducting the Interview • Start out by using icebreakers • Put your questions in nonthreatening order • Ask the basic questions • Ask follow-up questions • Control the interview • Repeat questions • Ask background questions

12. Executive Summary • Conducting the Interview • Ask about developments • Construct a chronology • Role-play • Ask about pros and cons • Ask for definitions • Verify

13. Executive Summary • Conducting the Interview • Use the silent treatment • Use the “blame others” technique • Handle emotional questions with tact • Ask summary questions • Use the “matchmaker” technique • Ask free-choice questions • End on a positive note

14. Thank you for listening and enjoy the rest of the day!