Chris Coats Feature Story
-
Upload
shayan-gaziani -
Category
Documents
-
view
7 -
download
0
description
Transcript of Chris Coats Feature Story
Shayan Gaziani
April 30, 2015
Art of Interviewing
more
The Art of Interviewing
How did a Dallas mother reach the national
spotlight in journalism with such little experience in
the literary arts?
Chris Coats, a local native Texan, boasts a
dynamic personality complemented by her unique and
somewhat rare career choices. Her choices
transformed her from an everyday certified public
accountant to a prestigious reporter with People
magazine, Us Weekly and The Dallas Morning News. She maintains hundreds of professional
connections and personal friendships with national and internationally renowned
celebrities. Coats seems to have mastered the impossible, but how?
“Interviewing and connections,” Coats explains.
Luckily, Coats recently shared her tips, and now we pass them along to you. Would you
like to master the art of interviewing, regardless of your career? If so, read on.
Chris Coats
Gaziani
Art of Interviewing
Page 2
more
MAKE THEM CARE
Reporting an interview is seemingly akin to telling a story. While you serve as the
narrator, your interviewee is the protagonist, providing details to polish a plot that you gradually
construct. Like all stories, however, the storyline can be good or bad. To ensure that your critics,
your readers, love your story, have the plot constructed beforehand. However, approach it from a
new angle. The best stories are those that entice the reader with thought-provoking ideas, new
concepts and exclusive perspectives. Your interview should follow suit. Do not focus on trite
background information that is already available; rather, elicit attention by allowing your subject
to speak to unique concepts that other reporters may not have already covered. In addition, know
your audience and construct your interview accordingly.
DO YOUR RESEARCH AND PLAN AHEAD
A telling sign of a rookie reporter, or simply a terrible one, is the manner in which he or
she conducts an interview. From high-profile subjects to a local businessperson – everyone
values his or her time. So should you. Designing the structure for an interview minutes before
not only damages its efficiency, but your reputation as well. Coats provided prerequisites to any
interview, and we explain them below.
Gaziani
Art of Interviewing
Page 3
more
First, do your research. Your subjects are there to answer your questions and to explain
concepts in further detail, not necessarily to teach you from scratch. As a doctor asks his or her
patient for relevant background information, so should you spend time researching facts, history,
current events, key concepts and other needed information and ideas for your interview. In fact,
without any prior knowledge, your storyline will weaken to the verge of collapse, and your
subject will be able to tell. After landing an interview, know the person or organization which
with you will be speaking. This knowledge will increase the efficiency and reputability of the
interview and your professional reputation as well.
Second, know your end-goal. Your interview should have a purpose. While emergency
room doctors would love to chat with their patients, their immediate goals are to cure their
patients and send them home. Planning your interview beforehand, formulating questions and
links, will allow you to serve as an extremely prepared narrator for your story. Perhaps you wish
to ask a treasurer regarding fraud donation or an actor about his or her upcoming movie. In either
case, you should know your facts and have a mental roadmap of your planned interview, or as
Coats refers to it, your “reporting GPS.” In addition, make sure to practice your interview
beforehand.
Remember, unpreparedness leads to an undesirable reputation, and that can be damaging,
if not deadly, for a reporter’s career.
Gaziani
Art of Interviewing
Page 4
more
LANDING THE INTERVIEW
While planning and researching for an interview can seem tedious, Coats cites landing
the actual interview the most difficult task. Especially in the case of high profile individuals such
as celebrities, finding contact information for them or their agents and receiving a response can
be problematic, if not impossible, for the unprepared or novice interviewer. The key to solving
this, Coats offers, is persistence and relationships.
The modern world is full of networks, connections and relationships. As an interviewer,
professional or not, it is imperative for your to maintain your own. Some perceive the “you
scratch my back I’ll scratch yours” ideology as unethical. However, maintaining contacts and
relationships allows you to have access to numerous individuals vis-à-vis your network. Coats
thanks her network for her employment at People. As an entry-level reporter, no one expected
her to have contacts with high-profile individuals. She then utilized her contacts to land the most
difficult of interviews, much to the awe yet pleasure of her bosses. Creating a network may
sound daunting, but in reality, it is all about following up with people and staying in contact.
Also, the more high profile individuals you have connections with, the more reputable you
become. When attempting to utilize your network, stay persistent and be strategic. Eventually,
Coats says, someone will answer the phone.
WORK WITH WHAT YOU GOT, BUT STILL TAKE CHARGE
While the local department store manager may have 30 minutes to an hour for an
interview, Bruce Willis may not. The art of interviewing is about not only the questions, but also
your capacity to adapt during the conversation, to reroute your “reporting GPS” en route. Coats
recalls her interviews lasting from a few seconds on the red carpet to a few hours in private. In
essence, be flexible.
Gaziani
Art of Interviewing
Page 5
more
Nevertheless, understand that no matter how long the interview lasts, you are still in
charge. Occasionally, interviewees may dodge a question or provide incomplete answers, or they
may lead you off on a sometimes wonderful yet sometimes dangerous and unnecessary tangent.
Whatever the case, be polite yet be firm. You are the narrator, the storyteller, the host.
THE INTERVIEW
If you have prepared well, have your questions formulated and your research completed,
the last step in the process is to conduct the actual interview. While these suggestions are
universal, ever interview is unique, and as such, so is its situation.
First, dress for success yet know your location. An interview is usually a formal event, or
at least takes place at one. Always remember to dress professionally, but use common sense. A
red carpet dress or suit should not be worn at the racetrack, for example. Dress professionally,
yet tailor your wardrobe as needed.
Second, always bring a voice recorder, backup batteries, a pen and paper. While you
should always ask for permission before recording an interview, recording the conversation and
taking notes ensures the quality and consistency of your report and provides you with evidence if
needed.
Third, and not to state the obvious, be polite, professional and courteous. Understand that
your interviewee is a human being, and as such, calibrate your tone of voice and that of the
interview depending on the topics discussed. If asking a victim to recall a tragic event, for
example, sympathize and speak softer. When interviewing a slicker person, however, be firm yet
polite. Also, do not just drill out your questions. Rather, be thoughtful and allow your subject to
answer completely. Keep things as natural as possible. Remember, no matter the situation, you
are still the host, and you are leading the conversation.
Gaziani
Art of Interviewing
Page 6
more
Fourth, be mindful of body language. Slumping in your seat, yawning, playing with your
nails, et cetera shows disrespect. Understand that you are in need of information, and as such,
you must respect your interviewee by providing him or her with your undivided attention.
Fifth, and a personal favorite of Coats, save the best or the most controversial question
for last. The purpose of the interview is to get as much information as possible in the time you
have. Asking an incredible question to end the conversation may resonate with your subject, yet
asking a scandalous one may lead to your early exit. As such, wait until the end and make the
situation as comfortable as possible. Even if your interviewee dislikes the question, the manner
in which you ask it, and your intentions for doing so, may overcome any negativity.
Sixth, be honest with yourself and with your interviewee. There is widespread distrust of
journalists, including interviewers, as many perceive them to be scandal-seekers. Always be
sincere with yourself. When asking questions, do not do so to trick anyone, and do not fabricate
any information in your report. The way in which you carry yourself may lead to that person
joining your expanding network of connections.
Last, always ask for contact information and use it to follow up. While this is imperative
for building networks, it also allows you to have direct access to your subject in case you need
clarification. More often than not, individuals will readily provide their information as they too
wish to avoid any errors and misconceptions. Leave the interview on a good note. Shake hands,
thank them and depart.
Gaziani
Art of Interviewing
Page 7
###
HAVE FUN
Interviewing is your way to gain access to individuals and information not accessible to
the layman. It is also your way to enjoy the benefits that come with the job, and to meet high
profile individuals. Understand the seriousness of your work, yet remember to enjoy yourself as
well. Remember, we are all human.