Interviewing Techniques Objective l to identify techniques of

Interviewing Techniques Objective: l to identify techniques of interviewing and to employ these techniques 1

Preparation for interview l l l • • l Call ahead or send e-mail to schedule an interview. Identify yourself by name and publication. Give the nature of the article Be punctual Do your homework. Dress with respect for the person you are interviewing Write down key questions before the interview. It's easier for a source to hang up a telephone than slam a door in your face. Avoid ambush interviews. Be honest. Don't mislead your source -that can be more trouble than it's worth 2

During the interview • Make eye contact. Nod, smile and look interested. Now is not the time to zone out. • Use the interviewee’s name • Take good notes discreetly. Observe the surroundings. Look for details that set a mood, reveal personality • 3

Interviewing Style—Do’s • • l l l Start by asking easy questions and get tougher as you go. Save controversial questions for near the end, but don’t skip them Ask open-ended questions Let the source fill the awkward moments. Allow the subject to stray from the topic. You may get another – or better – story that way. However, remain in control of the interview Get all your information the first time Double check spelling of all names and addresses 4

Interviewing style-don’ts Don't start out by antagonizing your source. l Don't talk too much. Give the subject time to answer questions completely l Don’t ignore body language l Do not let your opinion of the interviewee or what he/she represents influence your questions or demeanor • 5

After the interview • • l check your list of questions to ensure you asked them. Ask: “Is there anything else I should ask? ” Thank the interviewee. Re-read your notes immediately after the interview. Write a three- to five-sentence summary in your notebook at the end of each interview 6

Taking notes in interview • • • l l Develop your own note-taking system. Use abbreviations. Use texting method Jot a question mark in the margin if you need to clarify a point before the interview ends. Always put quotation marks around direct quotes. Don’t fixate on quotes. If the subject is saying something you won’t use or aren’t interested in, don’t write it down Note changes in body language 7

What types of questions should I ask? l Open ended questions—Why, how, describe, what? l. Interesting questions 8

What types of questions should I ask? If stuck, ask stock questions—those that can apply to almost anyone in that position 1. Who has influenced you in your life 2. What is the one quality you have that you admire, regret l Steer away from est questions; best memory, worst experience, best game etc l 9

What about taping devices? --always get permission l Pros Obtain exact quotes; l Can hear the tone l Get more accurate details l Cons Outside noise may interfere l Interview may be more awkward l Interviewee may be less willing to give information 10

Taping --Always continue to take notes Qualifies important information— names, figures, dates l Maintains a sense of interest on part of reporter. l 11

What about the internet interview? E-mail questions/use chat rooms l Face- to-face interview is still preferable l body language l gestures l If doing research, can post a note in newsgroup to solicit opinions. l 12

Going off the record l l l Reporter can use information , not give sources Reporter cannot use information at all Reporter and interviewee can agree to rules. Agree when interview is back on the record No info off the record unless reporter agrees If reporter accepts off-the-record cannot divulge source or information 13

Pre-publication checking Source wishes to red story before publication l Used to be NO l Now some reporters are reading back stories to sources 1. Good PR 2. Eliminates mistakes 3. Avoids libel cases (must show malice) l 14

Writing the interview story l l l Be specific in description Use details that tell what the person has done Do not use physical characteristics Use quotes often—bring the person to life Do not say “I asked” or “when asked” Q and A Reporter not part of the story; more objective but lazy 15