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.