Journalistic Interviews
Theories of the Interview
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1. Keys to Effectiveness
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Background information
Probing
Neutrality
Contacts
Motivating
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2. Why might someone refuse an
interview?
• Burned (Response - “Tell your side of the
story”)
• Risky to Self Image (Response “Opportunity to do X, Y, Z)
• Invasion of Privacy (Response - “Story is
out there - speeds up process)
• Stupid (Response - “Here’s a sample
question)
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3. Why might someone want to
be interviewed?
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Publicity
Exposure
Ego
Sell
Retribution
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4. Ethical Problems
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Libel & Slander
Ambush Interviews
Bluffing
“Gotcha journalism”
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5. Unique dynamics of broadcast
interviews
• Technophobia
• Bright lights
• Speed
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6. Appropriate Questions/Probes
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Control is a major factor
Indirect vrs. Direct (e.g. Dolly Parton)
Open vrs. Closed questions
Bias toward Inverted Funnel & Tunnel
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7. How do you convince
someone to reveal sensitive info.?
• Opportunity
• Inevitability
• Duty to “higher authority”
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8. The EE’s Perspective
• Answer questions strategically
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Use examples, stories, & analogies
Provide proof (e.g. stats, numbers)
Avoid abbreviations
Organize long answers (e.g., 1st, 2nd)
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EE’s Perspective cont.
• Avoid common traps
– “Tell me about your staff, budget, and plans for
the next year.”
– “Do you want to be treasurer for the money or
the prestige?”
– “Do you think CDs or derivatives are the best
solution to our short-term investing needs?”
– “Don’t you think the municipality was to blame
for …..?”
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EE’s Perspective cont.
• Be positive when conveying bad news
– Avoid the “you” word
– Judiciously use indirect form
– Examples on Next Slide
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EE’s Perspective cont.
Negative
Positive
• You failed to notice
• You neglected to
mention
• You overlooked the
fact
• Your missed the point
• May I point out
• We can also consider
x, y, z
• One additional fact to
consider is …..
• From another
perspective
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