Interviewing

Basic ways to gather infoBefore we can write for the mass

media, we need to collection information.

Primary ways to collect info:- Documents- Attending events/first person- Interviewing

First upDecide who to interview for the

story.Seek the best possible source.Looking for a person with

knowledge, expertise and insight relevant to your story.

Avoid public relations people if you can.

How many interviews?How many people should you talk

to for your story? It depends.Expertise of sources, complexity

of the topic.Talk to as many people as you

have to so you can assemble a complete report.

But …No matter how many sources you

talk to, you need to evaluate your sources.

Are they credible and knowledgeable on the subject?

Do they have an agenda or an ax to grind?

Preparing for an interviewBefore an interview, make sure to

research the topic or person so that you have some familiarity with the subject.

Sources like that because it indicates you respect them by taking the time to familiarize yourself with the subject.

They are taking time out to help you do your job.

ResearchBy doing some research before

the interview, you don’t waste time asking about things that are widely known.

It’s easier to ask interesting, productive questions.

You won’t embarrass yourself by appearing ignorant.

Research, cont.You’re more likely to recognize

when they say something significant or newsworthy.

Less likely you’ll have to go back and interview the person again.

Some sources try to manipulate reporters or avoid difficult topics. Research helps you avoid that.

It’s easier than everGoogle and other online

resources make doing research on a topic easier than it’s ever been.

Your organization probably has files or records on subjects as well.

Co-workers can be valuable sources of information.

Where to interview?In-person is the best way to

interview someone.- Natural way to talk.- Can help put nervous people at ease.- You can notice things – gestures, the person’s surroundings, etc. that may become part of your story.

Phone and emailPhone interviews OK if pressed

for time, or if it’s a source you talk to a lot.

If you interview by phone and want to type your notes while you are talking, make sure to tell the source.

Email interviews are best avoided.

Notes and recordersMake sure to bring plenty of

paper to take notes and two pens.

Direct vs. indirect quotes.Voice recorders are OK to use,

but don’t only rely on them.

Taking notesPeople often talk faster than we

can write.Most interviews work at getting

important direct quotes down. They jot down other facts quickly.

Abbreviations can help, or develop your own shorthand.

Throwaway questions.

Write some questions outAfter you do your research and

set up the interview, jot down some questions you want to make sure to ask.

These will help you stay on track during your interview.

Don’t think of these as a script, though. LISTEN to what is being said.

What should I ask?Interviewers should have a

tentative central point in mind as they plan a story – the “what.”

Ask as many questions as required to assemble a complete story that would answer all your readers’ questions.

The interviewTake a conversational approach

to your interview. You’re not a prosecutor – talk with your source.

ObserveLISTENKeep it on track. Sometimes

source may drift, steer them back to the topic at hand.

The interview, cont.Sources don’t like to be badgered

or pushed.Hostile source? Try to find out

why.Don’t ever deceive a person

about the purpose of your interview.

If you are conducting a phone interview and recording it, let the source know. Ethical issue.

The last questionAt the end of your interview, ask

the source if there’s anything they would like to add or you may have forgotten to ask about.

Sometimes people have interesting info that they don’t want to impose on you.

Controversial questionsIf you have to ask something that

you feel may be difficult or potentially embarrassing for the source, save it until the end of your interview.

Interview’s done. Now what?Make sure to go over your notes

as soon as you get back to your office, when the interview is fresh on your mind.

Transcribe your notes right away, so you don’t forget something.

On the record, off the recordInterviews are considered “on the

record,” that is, it is assumed you can use these in a story.

Sometimes, a source may want to tell you something in confidence.

If the person asks to go “off the record,” and you agree, the info you subsequently receive cannot be published or used in a broadcast report.

Off the record, cont.The person requesting to give

you information off the record must make that request before giving you the info. They can’t do it after speaking and then automatically expect you to keep the information confidential.

QuotesDirect – the exact words a

speaker uses, surrounded by quotation marks.

Indirect – a paraphrase of the speaker’s statement.

Direct quotes provide color to a story, give us insight into how the speaker thinks, and let the reader “talk” to the source.

Using quotesMake sure you have direct quotes

down accurately. If not, go with indirect.

No more than two or three paragraphs in a row of direct quotes from a source.

Correct grammar?Ellipsis … if you have a long

quote, and part is removed.

AttributionMake sure to attribute

information you obtain from sources that is not generally known by your audience.

Attribute as often as you have to so that the reader is clear as to where info came from.

Use “said.”

Interviewing tips/checklistPage 86 of the book has a nice

list of 18 tips for interviewing.

Questions?