Ms.
Gokturk
Journalism
TiPs On InTeRvIeWiNg
Interviewing:
THE PURPOSE
A.
To get facts
B. To draw the person out
C. To get quotes that enhance your story
D. Go for Color, DETAIL
Reporter
must go into an interview as well prepared as possible:
1.
Read
up on subject. For instance, if your subject is a skateboarding fanatic, read
up on skateboarding so you can design good questions. If your subject is an
Eagle Scout, learn more about it.
2.
DO
YOUR RESEARCH!!!!
3.
Have
a sense of focus for the interview. What do want, coming out of this?
4.
Prepare
a list of questions.
5.
Listen
to answers, and follow up answers with appropriate questions
6.
Observe,
describe environment, or mannerisms if appropriate to interview. For instance,
did you meet the skateboarder at a skateboarding locale? Describe what you see.
Did you talk to a teacher in their room? What does the room tell about the
teacher?
7.
Have
a sense of why you are interviewing the person. Why did you choose this person?
(HINT: If you chose the person simply because it was easy/best friend, this may
not necessarily be an interesting interview.)
8.
Ask
relevant questions.
CONDUCTING
THE INTERVIEW:
1.
Start
with small talk to develop rapport. Begin with easy, factual questions. (i.e.,
how long have you been skateboarding? What made you try? etc.)
2.
Save
the tough questions for later on in the interview.
3.
Listen
for your answers. Ask the question again if you don't get a straight answer.
4.
Take
notes as you need. If you not clear on an exact quote, check it with your
subject.
5.
Tape
recorders optional, but ask permission first.
6.
Try
not to obtain so much information as the subject becomes impatient.
Establish
the use of off the record comments or comments on background at the top of the
interview.