Interviewing

Writing the news story is only half the story.  Getting the story is the other half.

The most important way journalists get stories is by interviewing people they plan to write about. So conducting interviews is one of the key tasks of journalism. Interviewing is an essential skill for journalists.

 Interviews may be conducted over the telephone or in person. There are advantages to both approaches. 

On the other hand, when we interview someone in person, we are better able to perceive nuance by observing body language, facial expression and other hints. 

The successful interview is depending on preparation.
Basic strategies for conducting an interviews.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYYE8zt0xFc

Research:  Do at least some research before every interview so that we understand the basic outlines of the story.   Court records, academic textbooks, journalistic databases, the record of colleagues, other journalists and former and present associates of the person are all appropriate places to look.

Sales Pitch.  Many interview subjects are nervous about being interviewed, So that journalist  should be prepared to explain to our interview subject why they're important and essential to our story.

Make a List.  Prepare a list of questions that need to ask and the order in which we will ask questions. It is a good idea to start with softer, more general questions and move to tougher questions . A list will help us  stay on track  and to keep us away from sensitive questions. Ask basic questions first then controversial questions. Questions need to be brief.

Request and Identify Our self. Always clearly and honestly state who you are, who you work for and what you want to do. Be prepared to negotiate politely with a secretary.

Dress Appropriately.  Many reporters try to strike a reasonable balance: nothing too fancy, nothing to ragged. If you are interviewing religious people in a place of worship, be respectful of their traditions - be prepared to wear religious headgear if requested, take your hat off in a church. If you are a woman, you may want to pack a headscarf for this reason.

Be on time! . Always be on time. If you simply cannot avoid being late,  Early is better than late, but don't be so early you're a nuisance.

First, break the ice. Don't start off an interview by being confrontational. Try to seat yourself in a comfortable, non-confrontational position. Introduce yourself and re-state your purpose. Look for ways to establish rapport. But don't waste too much time on this phase. 

Use a  diplomacy &  conversational style. You're not a police officer and this isn't an interrogation.  Use diplomacy and tact to present your questions in a conversational style. This will almost always work better.

Start with an easy question. To ask tough questions not advisable 

Use open-ended and closed questions. Closed questions require a specific answer. Open-ended questions provide the interview subject with an opportunity to elaborate and provide explanation.

Ask follow-up questions. When the person you're interviewing answers one question, you may want to conversationally follow her lead and move to a follow-up question. .

Try to stay in control. Some interview subjects will try to "run out the clock" .  It's your job as the interviewer to keep track of time and get back to the core questions if they move too far away. Don't be rude, but try to keep the interview on track.

Repeat important questions. Your subject won't answer a question. Politely ask it again. Maybe use different words the second or third time. 

Request definitions. Don't pretend to understand jargon if you don't.  So always ask for explanations of terms you are not familiar with, or technical aspects of the story.

Check and re-check. Always to spell names and technical terms. Get them to confirm their title and all information you have taken down is correct. 

On taking notes in interviews

When you interview someone, you have to be able to transfer the information you hear to your story. You have three options: memory, notes or recording. Each have their

Summary

- Interviewing is one of the key tasks of reporting.

- If reporters can't get the story without conducting interviews, they need to develop strategies for conducting effective interviews.

- Preparation is the key to a successful interview.

- Do some research.

- Prepare a sales pitch to get a reluctant source to talk to you.

- Make a list of questions.

- Request an interview and identify yourself.

- Dress appropriately.

- Always be on time.

- When you're conducting the interview, start with gentle icebreaker conversation.

- Use a conversational style.

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