Chapter 6. In the chapter intro, What tough lesson did Barbara Walsh learn when interviewing...
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Transcript of Chapter 6. In the chapter intro, What tough lesson did Barbara Walsh learn when interviewing...
Chapter 6
In the chapter intro, What tough lesson did Barbara Walsh
learn when interviewing convicted murderer William R. Horton Jr.?
Why is this lesson important for anyone conducting interviews?
Reporters need details, details, details▪ The key to a good news story is having the
details How do you get the details for a story?▪ Ask police▪ Observation▪ Talk to witnesses
In order to get details you need to have good questions.▪ Think beyond the surface elements and get
creative
This can help get more info from a source Public officials/Celebrities▪ Used to speaking to media often expected to talk
Private individuals▪ May need a more sensitive approach in order to
open up
▪ Even if you identify yourself as a member of media
Listening is very important when interviewing Unless your memory is impeccable▪ It’s best to use a notepad or recorder
Good listening skills will help when▪ Writing quotes▪ Showing interest in subject
Cons of tape recorders Mechanical failure Too much reliance on tapes Can inhibit source Can’t pick up observations▪ A smile, nervous tic, mannerisms, etc
Pros of tape recorders Help with exact wording of quotes Preserve details of controversial topic
Tape recording etiquette Ask 1-2 questions prior to asking about
recorder Place recorder to the side (not in plain
site)
Things to help improve listening skills Focus on the “Hear” and now Practice conversational listening Practice critical listening Be quite Be responsive Listen with your eyes▪ Review more on Page 112
Some tips to help you take good notes Be prepared Concentrate Use key words Develop a shorthand Request repetition Double check▪ More on page 114
Consider your mission▪ The purpose for the interview
Evaluate the information▪ For accuracy, fairness, newsworthiness, etc
Look for facts, good quotes, substantiation▪ Answers to the 5 W’s
Identify your focusResearch the background Identify your goalsPlan your questionsRequest the interviewDress appropriatelyArrive on time
Types of questions Open ended▪ Used to get details and quotes
Closed ended▪ Used to get brief specific answers
Keep questions brief Use simple, one question sentences
The dumb factor▪ Ask questions even if you might know the
answer▪ You can get the answer in source’s words▪ Being thorough isn’t being dumb
Use Icebreakers Plan your first question Put questions in non-threatening order Ask basic & follow up questions▪ More on page 119-121
Be aware of potential graphics when reporting Gather items for graphics dept.▪ Maps, brochures, written material, etc
Locations Chronology of events Statistics Highlights
Advantages Gives source time to think about
responses Saves you from taking notes
Disadvantages Prevents ▪ Spontaneity▪ Good follow up questions▪ Observing sources non-verbals
Limit the number of questions Try not to go past 5
Clarify your purposeVerify the source’s full name and titleLimit your follow up e-mail messagesAttribute to e-mail
A concept to help frame questions for a variety of stories▪ Features, profiles, programs issues
G-Goals▪ Motivation for accomplishments/programs
O-Obstacles▪ Challenges person/program faced
A-Achievements▪ How were goals reached
L-Logistics▪ Steps to get to this point (background)
Guidelines for telephone interviews Identification Icebreakers Length of questions Clarification Specifics Chronology
Source says this is “Off the record”▪ What do you do?
Source says “Don’t use my name”▪ What do you do?
The source starts to cry during interview▪ What do you do?
Source end the interview before you’re done▪ What do you do?
Source gives you false information during interview▪ What do you do?