Interviewing Techniques
Objective:
 to identify
techniques of
interviewing
and to employ
these
techniques
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Preparation for interview
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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
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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
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Interviewing Style—Do’s
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
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Interviewing style-don’ts
 Don't
start out by antagonizing your
source.
 Don't talk too much. Give the subject
time to answer questions completely
 Don’t ignore body language
 Do not let your opinion of the
interviewee or what he/she represents
influence your questions or demeanor
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After the interview
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
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Taking notes in interview
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
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What types of questions should
I ask?
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Open ended questions—Why, how, describe,
what?
Interesting
questions
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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
 Steer away from est questions; best
memory, worst experience, best game etc
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What about taping devices?
--always get permission
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Pros
Obtain exact
quotes;
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Can hear the tone
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Get more accurate
details
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Cons
Outside noise may
interfere
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Interview may be more
awkward
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Interviewee may be
less willing to give
information
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Taping --Always continue to
take notes
Qualifies important information—
names, figures, dates
 Maintains a sense of interest on part of
reporter.
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What about the internet
interview?
E-mail questions/use chat rooms
 Face- to-face interview is still
preferable
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body language
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gestures
 If doing research, can post a note in
newsgroup to solicit opinions.
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Going off the record
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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
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Pre-publication checking
Source wishes to red story before
publication
 Used to be NO
 Now some reporters are reading back
stories to sources
1. Good PR
2. Eliminates mistakes
3. Avoids libel cases (must show malice)
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Writing the interview story
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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
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