Introduction to Interviewing INTERVIEWING To really know what

Introduction to Interviewing

INTERVIEWING • To really know what your readers are all about and what they want in their yearbooks, just ask them. But don’t ask them what they want in their yearbooks, ask them what is important in their lives and then explore ways to cover those slices of life in the book.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW • Decide the what. • Set up the interview (face to face, phone interview) • Avoid email interviews.

INTERVIEWING TIPS • Always identify yourself and the purpose of the interview. • Give the source an idea of how long the interview will take and keep it as short as possible. • Make eye contact and give the source your full attention, even when taking notes. • Give the subject plenty of time to respond.

INTERVIEWING TIPS • Record the interview on a phone but also take notes. • It is important to verify quotes and facts, and it is perfectly acceptable to ask a source to repeat a statement. • Get the source’s phone number or email for any follow up questions that might come up when writing the story. • Thank the source for spending time and sharing information. If the source is an administrator, coach or teacher, a written thank you note is appropriate.

PRACTICE • Demonstrate understanding of how to interview someone in the Introduction to Interviewing exit ticket.

USE • Throughout the creation of the publication, you will be asked to interview a number of community members. It is important to take to heart how to complete the interview from start to finish.