Curriculum ~ Writing

Interviewing 101

Interviewing 101

How to talk to your fellow students to get them talking back!

Curriculum ~ Writing

Interviewing 101Interviewing

• Why is interviewing important?- The number one reason students want to buy a yearbook is

because they (or their friends) are in it!- One of the best ways to get as many students in the book as

possible is to interview them and find out their unique stories.

- Interviewing adds personality to your yearbook.

• Where to start?- Choose 5-7 students who are not already in the book!- Use your cell phone and check your contact list for students

you may not see as much as you used to.- Check Facebook or Twitter for student photos and updates.

Who is doing something interesting or participating in something fun?

Curriculum ~ Writing

Interviewing 101Interviewing

• What is interviewing?- Interviewing is just asking people questions and getting them to

tell you a story.- Interviewing should be a narrative, with a beginning, middle and

end.- Interviewing focuses on a specific event or aspect of a person,

not usually their life story!

• Where to start?- Choose an angle. What story do you want to tell and how? - Formulate your questions. - Take really, really good notes!! You must be accurate and fair.

Curriculum ~ Writing

Interviewing 101Interview Questions

• Prepare questions before you interview.

– Always ask open-ended questions, not yes or no questions.

– Use superlatives to ask your questions: What was the (best, worst, craziest, etc.) part of (band, football, homecoming week, etc.)?

– Follow up with “Why?”

• Listen carefully to the answers you receive.

• Look for facts and memories. If you think it’s interesting, chances are somebody else will too!

Curriculum ~ Writing

Interviewing 101

Preparing for Interviews

Before, during & afterPersonalize questions for each source

Conduct interview at a quiet time & place

Clearly identify reason for interview: yearbook spread about…

Maintain a conversational tone

Start with easier questions

Ask logical follow-up questions to get more information

Listen carefully & take complete notes

Thank source for helping you

Ask for another interview if needed

Curriculum ~ Writing

Interviewing 101Possible Questions

• 5 Ws & HWho, what, when, where, why, how

• Objective short answerWhat was your favorite dress-up day? (followed up with “why”)

• Multiple choiceHow long did it take you to get ready? Follow with more details. None I 1-2 hours I 2-4 hours I 4 or more hours

• SubjectiveDescribe for me your favorite costume.

Curriculum ~ Writing

Interviewing 101Possible Questions

Plan subjective, open-ended questions to capture personal stories, emotional reactions

Why: Why did you invest in the field trips as a local business?How: How do you think this field trip has impacted your

classroom experience?Tell me about: Tell me about what impressed you the most

about the museum?Describe: Describe your favorite exhibit.Explain: Explain how this changed your perspective of what

you learned in class.Tell me more: Tell me more about your day.

Curriculum ~ Writing

Interviewing 101What’s in it for me?

Mastering interviewing will help you forever!

Want a new car or house? You can use your skills to find the best broker or sale.

Doctor diagnoses you with a condition you’ve never heard of? By interviewing specialists and experts you can find out more about the condition.

Want to find a girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse? Good interview skills might help with this!

Hope to be a manager or supervisor? Interviewing skills will help you find good people to work for you.

Interviewing skills are invaluable!