P’s & Q’s of Interviews

How to mind your manners when talking to sources

Melanie Mason

Senior at Indiana University-Bloomington (GO HOOSIERS)

Studying to be a Journalism Teacher

Originally from Northwest Indiana • Schererville

Why mind your manners?

You’re on the student publication (newspaper, yearbook)

You need to be professional!

Build rapport so when you want to talk to them in the future they think “Oh, yes they were so nice to talk to.”

So you know who you want to talk to…now what?

You’ve come up with your story idea

You’ve thought who would be the best sources

Now what do you do??

Make an appointment

Once you choose your source make an appointment to talk to them

If administrator call or visit their office

Don’t wait till the last minute and expect them to talk to you right now

If possible, let them choose where to meet with you

Why?

Administrators and teachers are busy busy people

It’s rude to just barge in and assume they have time for you

If they don’t have time…then you lose the interview!

Interviewing them in a place they’re comfortable is always best!

Come prepared!

Have your questions ready and be ready to write

Know a little bit about your source (if it’s the basketball coach know how long he’s been coaching)

Why?

You’ll look more professional if you’re ready for your interview

You can always ask different questions but it’s good to be ready

You don’t want to forget anything important!

Introduce Yourself

Shake hands

Introduce yourself

Tell them what publication your with

Take the time to explain what the story is about and why they’re an important source

SPEAK SLOWLY!!!!

Why?

This can help relax the subject

It lets them know who you are and why you want to talk to them

Taking notes & Listening

Make sure you listen

If your source is talking too fast ask him/her to slow down(politely of course)

If you miss something or don’t understand, ASK! They won’t mind!!

You don’t have to follow your interview questions in order.

Why?

You want to quote them correctly!

It’s better to ask them to slow down or repeat than to get something wrong

Ending the Interview

Ask them if they have anything else they want to add

Thank the person for their time

Let them know you’ll get in touch with them if you have more questions

Why?

They may have something to say that you didn’t ask about

You may have questions later and may need to get back in touch with them

Examples 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4