Interviewing Skills NVQ Level 4 in Image Consulting

Interviewing Skills NVQ Level 4 in Image Consulting and Fashion Styling Module 2 – Perform Fashion Journalism Developed by Andrew P. Smith M. A.

Why Conduct Interviews? • To Gain • First-hand accounts. • Colourful background • Interesting quotes. Image Consulting and Fashion Styling. Module 2: Perform Fashion Journalism. Developed by Andrew P. Smith M. A 2

Preparation for the Interview • Location, time and person being interviewed. • Research background information on subject. • Use data bases and internet – be wary of quality of source • Prepare questions in advance as a guide. • Recording instruments – recorder, smart phone, note book. Image Consulting and Fashion Styling. Module 2: Perform Fashion Journalism. Developed by Andrew P. Smith M. A 3

Possess People Skills • Respect the person being interviewed – regardless of who they are. • First impressions DO count. • Dress appropriately and speak properly. • Build a rapport with the interviewee. • Show interest and knowledge in the subject. • Show empathy (understanding) not sympathy. Image Consulting and Fashion Styling. Module 2: Perform Fashion Journalism. Developed by Andrew P. Smith M. A 4

Possess People Skills • Be in charge of the interview • Allow interviewee to talk. • DO NOT put words into their mouths. • DO NOT anticipate responses Image Consulting and Fashion Styling. Module 2: Perform Fashion Journalism. Developed by Andrew P. Smith M. A 5

Be an Active Listener • The interview is organic – not fixed • Pick up what is being said. • Develop interview as it proceeds. • Respond to what happens as it evolves. • Ask if there is any doubt about what is heard. • Never assume your interpretation is correct. Image Consulting and Fashion Styling. Module 2: Perform Fashion Journalism. Developed by Andrew P. Smith M. A 6

Approach to Conducting the Interview • “Be punctual, be polite & ask questions” • Ensure that interviewee is aware of being recorded by recording device, notebook, etc. • On record vs. off the record. • Don’t try to show off your knowledge of subject - appear average. • The following video from Riz Khan gives an overview of interview techniques Image Consulting and Fashion Styling. Module 2: Perform Fashion Journalism. Developed by Andrew P. Smith M. A 7

Image Consulting and Fashion Styling. Module 2: Perform Fashion Journalism. Developed by Andrew P. Smith M. A 8

Crafting the Questions • Ask the questions that the general public wants answers to. • Questions should be well thought out, well crafted and flexible. • Clear, simple and targeted. Image Consulting and Fashion Styling. Module 2: Perform Fashion Journalism. Developed by Andrew P. Smith M. A 9

Avoid Bad Questions • Don’t give the interviewee a choice, e. g ‘Do you mind if I ask. . ? ’ • Don’t ask closed questions that lead to closed answers, i. e. No or Yes. ; e. g. ‘Are you. . . ? ’ • Don’t ask overloaded questions are long, drawn out and have many parts. E. g. “How long have you been a fashion designer and do you believe that you have what it takes to be successful in the industry? ” • Don’t use technical language – get them to explain for the lay person. • Keep the dialogue going – don’t interrupt but show that you are paying attention. • If they state something off the record, get other sources to confirm before publishing. Image Consulting and Fashion Styling. Module 2: Perform Fashion Journalism. Developed by Andrew P. Smith M. A 10

The Killer Question • The killer question is the toughest question – the crux of the interview. • If it is asked too early, it won’t be answered – or worse. • • Build the rapport Get background information Ask one question at a time Lead up to the killer question. Image Consulting and Fashion Styling. Module 2: Perform Fashion Journalism. Developed by Andrew P. Smith M. A 11

Finishing the Interview • Review and wrap up to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the issue/topic. • Check spelling- especially names. • “Is there anything else my readers need to know about this. . . ? ” • NEVER OFFER TO SHOW ARTICLE BEFORE PUBLICATION • Thank yous. Image Consulting and Fashion Styling. Module 2: Perform Fashion Journalism. Developed by Andrew P. Smith M. A 12

INTERVIEW • • • I Introduce yourself. N Niceties and small talk T Tell, get the to tell about the topic/incident E Expand or explore the situation R Review what has been discussed V Verify facts, figures, names, etc. I Introduce the killer question E Exit from the official interview. W Wait. People are more relaxed at the end and will chat. Record this. Image Consulting and Fashion Styling. Module 2: Perform Fashion Journalism. Developed by Andrew P. Smith M. A 13

Katie Couric: How to Conduct a Good Interview Image Consulting and Fashion Styling. Module 2: Perform Fashion Journalism. Developed by Andrew P. Smith M. A 14

Thank you!!! Image Consulting and Fashion Styling. Module 2: Perform Fashion Journalism. Developed by Andrew P. Smith M. A 15