Conducting An Interview and

Taking Notes2008 ASNE Reynolds High School

Journalism Institute - Arizona State University

Steve Elliott: steve.elliott@asu.eduDirector, Cronkite News Service and Professor of Practice

Interview: Defined• A conversation directed toward a goal.• Any interview begins with a goal:

– This comes from your reporting plan.– Be ready to change direction based on what you find.

• Direct interviews toward this goal:– Select sources strategically– Frame questions well (research helps)– Seek detail, clear answers; follow up

Arranging an Interview• Call, e-mail, letter, show up -- depends on story

• Identify yourself – You have a responsibility to let them know you are a

reporter and for what publication

• Set place:– If possible, in person (subject’s turf)– Sometimes done by phone (better in person)

• Describe story– General terms– If necessary, explain benefits to reluctant source– Never mislead them

Conducting the Interview• The Basics:

– Dress appropriately (be in dress code)– Be on time (10 minutes early)

• Structure– Funnel interview (background first)– Inverted funnel (straight to point)

• Plan your questions– Stems from research -- do your homework!– Open- vs. closed-ended– Adjust structure, questions if necessary

All The President’s Men #1• What does the reporter do well?

– DVD Track 8: 23:22

Conducting the Interview• Establish a connection with the source

– Small talk (homework pays off here)• “I understand you are from Littletown, Texas.”• Look for pictures, funny decorations, things in common• Eye contact• Don’t convey a bias either way

• Writing, Recording– Notebooks and recorders intimidate

• If possible, don’t whip out notebook right away• Ask permission to use a recorder• Put the notebook or recorder in an unnoticeable place

– Ask general questions, transition to notes, recording

Conducting the Interview• Have list of questions handy

– If possible, memorize them– Don’t leave questions on cover or page one of notebook– Put basics (spelling, title, grade) somewhere near

beginning• Keep interview on track, focused on goal

– Ask follow-up questions for clarity– Don’t convey bias either way

• Listen, then listen some more• Observe

– Mannerisms, tenor of voice, environment

Conducting the Interview

Tip No. 1

Acknowledge what you don’t understand and seek an explanation.

Conducting the Interview

Tip No. 2

It often helps to repeat back to them key points to make sure you and source are on same page.

Conducting the Interview

Tip No. 3

It’s OK to ask for time to write down a quote or information accurately.

Conducting the Interview

Tip No. 4

Don’t go overboard demonstrating knowledge of a subject.

Conducting the Interview

Tip No. 5

Embrace silence.

Conducting the Interview

Tip No. 6

Get agreement that you can call/email for clarification or follow-up questions (agree to means for doing so).

Conducting the Interview• Next Steps:

– Conduct more research– Interview more people– Go back with more questions– Go back to seek clarification

• Strong reporting plan helps avoid this

All the President’s Men• What does this reporter do well? #2

– Track 17: 1:13:40– End with Mitchell quote, 1:19:45

• What do the reporters do well? #3– Track 19: 1:27:20– End with “Republican.”

Difficult Interviews• The Hostile Source

– Make sure source knows the story will run– Tell them you are fulfilling your obligation to be fair– Don’t convey bias either way– Sometimes can give them time and try again– Often source knows you, your reputation– Sometimes it helps to be a little aggressive, timid

reporters are easy to scare off

Difficult Interviews• The Reluctant Source

– Keep asking questions. You never know …– Make them feel comfortable– If they won’t call back:

• Often helps to leave letter at door or e-mail• Send word through someone else

– Death of loved one, trauma• Want to make sure have whole story• Make sure they know you don’t enjoy it

Difficult Interviews• Belated “Off the Record”

– You have no obligation to grant– Depends on:

• Importance of story• Importance of source in future

E-mail Interviews• Agree to it only as last resort

– Kills spontaneity– No eye contact

• Be very careful– Must be absolutely certain of source

Notes and Quotes• Get down the quotes

– Remember The Titans – “Gettysburg Cemetery Scene”

Anybody know what this place is?It’s Gettysburg, this is where they fought the battle of Gettysburg. Fifty thousand men died right here on this field. Fighting the same fight that we are still fighting amongst ourselves today. This green field right here was painted red, bubbling with blood of young boys. Smoke and hot lead pouring right through their bodies. Listen to their souls men, I killed my brother with malice in my heart. Hatred destroyed my family. You listen and you can take a lesson from the dead. If we don’t come together right now on this hallowed ground, we too will be destroyed just like they were. I don’t care if you like each other right now, but you will respect each other. And maybe, I don’t know maybe, you’ll learn to play this game like men.

Notes and Quotes• Take extra pencils or pens• Your recorder will ALWAYS fail you• Big writing surface sometimes helps

– Especially covering speeches.

• Ask for time to get quote right– It’s OK to have source repeat to fill in the blanks.

• If you can’t get time …– Zone out and concentrate on the quote you have.– It’s a calculated risk.

Observe• Witness (11 1:11:35)

– You’re writing a profile of an Amish community and have been invited to witness an Amish barn-raising.

– What do you see that represents the essence of this community? Try describing it as you’d write it.

– What are some questions you’d want answered based on what you see?

• Use all of your senses.– The entrance to the fair smelled like cotton candy.

• Use strong verbs and nouns, not adjectives– Simile and metaphor can work.

• Look for active people. • Provide real dialog.• Provide facts not opinions.• Take a picture. It lasts longer.

Observe