interviewing. learning objectives plan and set up an interview plan and set up an interview research...

InterviewingInterviewing

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

Plan and set up an interviewPlan and set up an interviewResearch background information about Research background information about

the interview subjectthe interview subjectWrite appropriate questions for Write appropriate questions for

interviewsinterviewsTake notes efficientlyTake notes efficientlyConduct an interviewConduct an interviewParticipate in news conferences and Participate in news conferences and

other special interviewsother special interviews

InterviewingInterviewing

An An interviewinterview is a formal conversation is a formal conversation between a reporter and a source for the between a reporter and a source for the purpose of gathering information and purpose of gathering information and opinion.opinion.

If a reporter cannot interview effectively, If a reporter cannot interview effectively, the finished product lacks the the finished product lacks the human human elementelement, the quotations and personal , the quotations and personal interpretations that bring news stories and interpretations that bring news stories and features alive in readers’ or viewers’ features alive in readers’ or viewers’ minds.minds.

Interviewing cont.Interviewing cont.

People like to hear and read what People like to hear and read what authorities have to say, and they like to authorities have to say, and they like to know people’s reactions to issues and know people’s reactions to issues and situations.situations.

Without interviews, a reporter’s only Without interviews, a reporter’s only sources would be physical sources such as sources would be physical sources such as books, maps, surveys and news releases.books, maps, surveys and news releases.

News needs a human element, a real-life News needs a human element, a real-life perspective achieved by using quotes from perspective achieved by using quotes from people acting as sources of information.people acting as sources of information.

Planning for an InterviewPlanning for an Interview

Reporters who plan their interviews Reporters who plan their interviews carefully get the most information carefully get the most information and the best quotations.and the best quotations.

You are already performing informal You are already performing informal interviews every day. Moving into interviews every day. Moving into interviewing to gather information interviewing to gather information and interpretation for news stories is and interpretation for news stories is an easy transition.an easy transition.

Primary and Secondary Primary and Secondary SourcesSources

A A primary sourceprimary source is a person who has is a person who has information that is essential to the story. information that is essential to the story. Every story will have at least one Every story will have at least one primary source, and some will have primary source, and some will have several.several.

Secondary sourcesSecondary sources are people or are people or documents that add additional documents that add additional information, perspective and information, perspective and interpretation to a story but are not vital interpretation to a story but are not vital to its existence.to its existence.

Primary and Secondary Sources Primary and Secondary Sources cont.cont.

Primary and secondary sources may Primary and secondary sources may be people or they may be physical. be people or they may be physical. Books, surveys, budgets, minutes of Books, surveys, budgets, minutes of meetings, and data gathered from meetings, and data gathered from the internet are physical sources.the internet are physical sources.

The reporter’s first job is to find out The reporter’s first job is to find out who or what the primary sources are.who or what the primary sources are.

Researching for an InterviewResearching for an Interview

After you have made a list of sources After you have made a list of sources for the story, it is time to research for the story, it is time to research your topic. Being prepared is very your topic. Being prepared is very important to a reporter’s success. important to a reporter’s success. Being unprepared makes the Being unprepared makes the reporter and the newspaper look reporter and the newspaper look bad. It may make sources hesitant to bad. It may make sources hesitant to talk with you or your colleagues in talk with you or your colleagues in the future.the future.

Researching for an Interview Researching for an Interview cont.cont.

Before calling for an interview, Before calling for an interview, gather the facts about your topic. gather the facts about your topic. Information gathered about a person Information gathered about a person or subject before an interview is or subject before an interview is called background information. called background information. Background information helps the Background information helps the reporter prepare for the interview. It reporter prepare for the interview. It is not intended to be used as primary is not intended to be used as primary material for the story itself.material for the story itself.

Making the Most of SourcesMaking the Most of Sources

By doing some simple research before an By doing some simple research before an interview, a reporter can have enough interview, a reporter can have enough background information to formulate questions background information to formulate questions that will elicit valuable information and usable that will elicit valuable information and usable quotations from appropriate sources.quotations from appropriate sources.

For a school assignment, try to interview For a school assignment, try to interview people you don’t know.people you don’t know.

Readers at school know your friends and can Readers at school know your friends and can figure out whether you did the necessary figure out whether you did the necessary background research or you waited until the background research or you waited until the last minute to ask your friends a few questions.last minute to ask your friends a few questions.

Making the Most of Sources Making the Most of Sources cont.cont.

Experienced reporters will sometimes ask Experienced reporters will sometimes ask questions to which they already know the questions to which they already know the answers. This tactic can help verify or update answers. This tactic can help verify or update information and establish the credibility of the information and establish the credibility of the source. It is a good way to make sure you and source. It is a good way to make sure you and your source have the same information and a your source have the same information and a mutual understanding of your topic when you mutual understanding of your topic when you begin the interview.begin the interview.

If sources give answers that do not agree with If sources give answers that do not agree with information you have, you will need to check information you have, you will need to check further to see which information is correct. Even further to see which information is correct. Even when information seems to agree, a good when information seems to agree, a good reporter verifies it with a third source.reporter verifies it with a third source.


Sometimes the only way to get Sometimes the only way to get information is from the primary information is from the primary source.source.

Because a reporter’s task is to Because a reporter’s task is to convey information accurately and convey information accurately and clearly to an audience, ask your clearly to an audience, ask your sources to repeat explanations until sources to repeat explanations until you are confident you understand.you are confident you understand.


One interview is not usually enough for a complete One interview is not usually enough for a complete story. story.

The number of sources needed depends on the type The number of sources needed depends on the type of story being written. A good news story that covers of story being written. A good news story that covers all sides of an issue will likely require five to 10 all sides of an issue will likely require five to 10 sources.sources.

Some sources interviewed for a story may not be Some sources interviewed for a story may not be quoted in the story but can still provide background quoted in the story but can still provide background information that helps the reporter understand the information that helps the reporter understand the story or verify the information. The number of story or verify the information. The number of interviews is not as important as the reporter’s interviews is not as important as the reporter’s thorough understanding of the information. It is thorough understanding of the information. It is better to have more information and sources than better to have more information and sources than are necessary than to miss a key point.are necessary than to miss a key point.

Preparing the QuestionsPreparing the Questions

The next step in preparing for an The next step in preparing for an interview is compiling a list of questions.interview is compiling a list of questions.

Background information is useful in Background information is useful in helping you come up with questions.helping you come up with questions.

After you have researched the After you have researched the background of your sources, a good background of your sources, a good place to move on to is the standard news place to move on to is the standard news cues known as the cues known as the 5 Ws and an H5 Ws and an H: who, : who, what, when, where, why and how.what, when, where, why and how.

Using News Cue QuestionsUsing News Cue Questions

Answers to questions beginning with the Answers to questions beginning with the standard news cues provide information standard news cues provide information for the lead of the story.for the lead of the story.

More than six questions will be necessary More than six questions will be necessary to get enough information for a story, and to get enough information for a story, and some of the six news cues may not be some of the six news cues may not be appropriate for a particular story.appropriate for a particular story.

To make an interview productive, a To make an interview productive, a reporter must go into it knowing what reporter must go into it knowing what questions need to be answered to make questions need to be answered to make the story interesting and to meet the the story interesting and to meet the requirements of the editor’s assignment.requirements of the editor’s assignment.

Using News Cue Questions Using News Cue Questions cont.cont.

Multiple Multiple whowho and and whatwhat questions can be questions can be formulated for most stories. Asking formulated for most stories. Asking “Why?” or “Why do you say that?” is a “Why?” or “Why do you say that?” is a good follow-up response to a source’s good follow-up response to a source’s answer if you want to keep a source answer if you want to keep a source talking or have the source clarify a point.talking or have the source clarify a point.

It’s much easier to write from an It’s much easier to write from an abundance of information, so prepare abundance of information, so prepare more questions than you think are more questions than you think are necessary to get the story. necessary to get the story.

Open-Ended and Yes-No Open-Ended and Yes-No QuestionsQuestions

Open-ended questions are questions that Open-ended questions are questions that ask for an opinion or interpretation from the ask for an opinion or interpretation from the source.source.

Yes-no questions are questions worded in Yes-no questions are questions worded in such a way that the source may easily such a way that the source may easily answer yes or no.answer yes or no.

Answers of yes or no not only make the Answers of yes or no not only make the interviews boring but also make the final interviews boring but also make the final story very hard to write, because the story very hard to write, because the reporter has too little information with which reporter has too little information with which to work. Open-ended questions are more to work. Open-ended questions are more likely to provide good quotations.likely to provide good quotations.

Open-Ended & Closed-Ended Open-Ended & Closed-Ended QuestionsQuestions

Use open-ended questions when a subject Use open-ended questions when a subject won’t open up:won’t open up: Tell me about your son.Tell me about your son. Talk about that for a minute.Talk about that for a minute. Describe what you did at that point. Describe what you did at that point.

Use closed-ended questions when a subject Use closed-ended questions when a subject won’t shut up, or is being vague or evasive: won’t shut up, or is being vague or evasive: Did you take the money?Did you take the money? What was her name?What was her name? How many hikers are missing?How many hikers are missing? When did he graduate?When did he graduate?

From Anderson, D., and Itule, B., From Anderson, D., and Itule, B., Writing the News,Writing the News, Ch. 7. New York: Ch. 7. New York: Random House. 1988.Random House. 1988.

Phrasing Clear QuestionsPhrasing Clear Questions

Asking questions to get good responses is Asking questions to get good responses is important. Asking for too much information important. Asking for too much information at one time, however, may confuse the at one time, however, may confuse the source and make it difficult for the person to source and make it difficult for the person to answer.answer.

Explaining the background before you ask a Explaining the background before you ask a question seems to create a long question question seems to create a long question that could confuse the source. However, it that could confuse the source. However, it helps the source to know why you’re asking helps the source to know why you’re asking the question and that you have some the question and that you have some knowledge on the subject.knowledge on the subject.

Conducting Individual Conducting Individual InterviewsInterviews

Most interviews a reporter does are Most interviews a reporter does are one-on-one with a source. one-on-one with a source.

Common courtesy and common Common courtesy and common sense are the best tools a reporter sense are the best tools a reporter can use when working with can use when working with individuals in person, on the individuals in person, on the telephone or in front of a camera.telephone or in front of a camera.

Before the InterviewBefore the Interview

When you have completed your research When you have completed your research for an interview and have carefully for an interview and have carefully planned your questions, contact the planned your questions, contact the source to make an appointment.source to make an appointment.

If the source is someone you know, you If the source is someone you know, you can catch up with them in the hall at can catch up with them in the hall at school and tell them.school and tell them.

If you do not know the source, it may be If you do not know the source, it may be easier to telephone at a time when you easier to telephone at a time when you will be able to explain in detail who you will be able to explain in detail who you are and what you want.are and what you want.

Before the Interview cont.Before the Interview cont.

Always identify yourself as a reporter Always identify yourself as a reporter when you contact a source for an when you contact a source for an appointment. appointment.

Arrange a time to do the interview. Arrange a time to do the interview. Because you are asking for some of Because you are asking for some of the interviewee’s time, try to be the interviewee’s time, try to be flexible and work around his or her flexible and work around his or her schedule.schedule.

Thank the person for agreeing to Thank the person for agreeing to speak with you.speak with you.

Before the Interview cont.Before the Interview cont.

Be prepared to do the interview when the Be prepared to do the interview when the source is available. Many sources will be source is available. Many sources will be ready and willing to talk at the time you call, ready and willing to talk at the time you call, so have questions prepared before you call.so have questions prepared before you call.

Reporters do telephone interviews regularly, Reporters do telephone interviews regularly, but try to conduct as many interviews as but try to conduct as many interviews as possible in person.possible in person.

In addition to setting a time that is convenient In addition to setting a time that is convenient for the source, try to meet the source on his for the source, try to meet the source on his or her territory. Next best thing is on neutral or her territory. Next best thing is on neutral ground. Always arrive on time for the ground. Always arrive on time for the interview.interview.

Taking NotesTaking Notes

What sets a good interviewer apart from a What sets a good interviewer apart from a person who just asks good questions is the person who just asks good questions is the ability to interact with, listen to, and ability to interact with, listen to, and observe the subject and the surroundings observe the subject and the surroundings to gather a complete picture.to gather a complete picture.

Practice and experience are the best Practice and experience are the best teachers of interviewing skills.teachers of interviewing skills.

The first skill to master is a personal The first skill to master is a personal shorthand for taking notes. Writing down shorthand for taking notes. Writing down every word would slow the interview and every word would slow the interview and interrupt the flow of conversation. At the interrupt the flow of conversation. At the same time, it is important to record all the same time, it is important to record all the facts and quotations accurately.facts and quotations accurately.

Taking Notes cont.Taking Notes cont.

With practice, reporters devise their own With practice, reporters devise their own note-taking languagenote-taking language. This is a set of . This is a set of symbols and abbreviations reporters symbols and abbreviations reporters develop to help them take notes quickly.develop to help them take notes quickly.

--pplppl for for peoplepeople --evev for for everyevery--w/w/ for for withwith --diffdiff for for differentdifferent-< and > for -< and > for greater thangreater than or or less thanless than-2 for -2 for to, tooto, too or or twotwo; 4 for ; 4 for for, forefor, fore or or fourfour-2B for -2B for to beto be; B4 for ; B4 for beforebefore-initials of people in a group to distinguish -initials of people in a group to distinguish

which one is speakingwhich one is speaking

Taking Notes cont.Taking Notes cont.

It isn’t necessary to write down every word It isn’t necessary to write down every word a speaker says. The a speaker says. The umsums and and ya knowsya knows should be left out, of course, but also try should be left out, of course, but also try leaving out the little words like leaving out the little words like a, an, the, a, an, the, and, butand, but and and oror and reinserting them later. and reinserting them later.

Jot a question mark in the margin by Jot a question mark in the margin by anything that needs to be clarified before anything that needs to be clarified before the interview ends.the interview ends.

Write the speaker’s name and phone Write the speaker’s name and phone number in the notes to make it convenient number in the notes to make it convenient if you need to contact the source. if you need to contact the source.

Asking Follow-Up QuestionsAsking Follow-Up Questions

Reporters who are good listeners pick Reporters who are good listeners pick out confusing concepts from a out confusing concepts from a source’s answers and ask questions source’s answers and ask questions that will help clarify the information, that will help clarify the information, even if those questions were not on even if those questions were not on their original lists.their original lists.

These follow-up questions enable the These follow-up questions enable the reporter to be flexible enough to move reporter to be flexible enough to move in a different direction if the interview in a different direction if the interview shifts away from the planned topic.shifts away from the planned topic.

Observing and Recording Observing and Recording DetailsDetails

A good interviewer is also a good observerA good interviewer is also a good observer Before, during and after the interview, an Before, during and after the interview, an

interviewer must pick up visual clues that interviewer must pick up visual clues that will help add detail or human interest, will help add detail or human interest, especially if the assignment is a feature especially if the assignment is a feature story.story.

A room can reveal a lot about its occupant.A room can reveal a lot about its occupant. Be careful not to stereotype individuals by Be careful not to stereotype individuals by

their surroundings. A good approach is to their surroundings. A good approach is to ask the subject about your observation.ask the subject about your observation.


Write your observations in your notes right Write your observations in your notes right along with the answers from the interview.along with the answers from the interview.

Use some observations as a basis for Use some observations as a basis for follow-up questions.follow-up questions.

A tape recorder helps a reporter get A tape recorder helps a reporter get details during an interview. The are details during an interview. The are positive and negative aspects of using a positive and negative aspects of using a recorder.recorder.

Always ask permission from a source Always ask permission from a source before recording an interview.before recording an interview.

Always take notes, even if a recorder is Always take notes, even if a recorder is being used.being used.


When you are just beginning to practice your When you are just beginning to practice your interviewing techniques, it is best to leave the interviewing techniques, it is best to leave the tape recorder at home and work on your note tape recorder at home and work on your note taking, listening and observing skills.taking, listening and observing skills.

Broadcasters have no choice but to get their Broadcasters have no choice but to get their information on tape or camera. They also take information on tape or camera. They also take notes for the parts of the story they must write.notes for the parts of the story they must write.

Sources tend to speak more formally and Sources tend to speak more formally and professionally when the camera or tape professionally when the camera or tape recorder is running, because they know they recorder is running, because they know they are going to be seen or heard by the audience.are going to be seen or heard by the audience.

Establishing RapportEstablishing Rapport

Whether it’s in front of a camera, in a Whether it’s in front of a camera, in a source’s office or on the telephone, source’s office or on the telephone, establishing an agreeable, harmonious establishing an agreeable, harmonious relationship between you and your source relationship between you and your source will help you get good information and will help you get good information and encourage the source to be open.encourage the source to be open.

A friendly greeting, a handshake, or a A friendly greeting, a handshake, or a conversation about the weather or people conversation about the weather or people you both know helps build the desired you both know helps build the desired harmony, or harmony, or rapportrapport, you want before you , you want before you begin the formal interview.begin the formal interview.

Establishing Rapport cont.Establishing Rapport cont.

When you meet a source for the first time, When you meet a source for the first time, introduce yourself, shake hands and chat introduce yourself, shake hands and chat for a while. This will let them know that you for a while. This will let them know that you are a comfortable person to talk to. Your are a comfortable person to talk to. Your credibility and professionalism are on the credibility and professionalism are on the line during this most important part of the line during this most important part of the interview, so be businesslike but friendly.interview, so be businesslike but friendly.

Many sources have a negative image of Many sources have a negative image of what reporters want, so they are hesitant what reporters want, so they are hesitant about opening up. A good first impression about opening up. A good first impression will help break the ice and set a positive will help break the ice and set a positive tone.tone.


Sources will usually decide when they are Sources will usually decide when they are ready to be interviewed or you may sense ready to be interviewed or you may sense when the source is relaxed and open the when the source is relaxed and open the interview yourself.interview yourself.

Briefly describe the purpose of the Briefly describe the purpose of the interview once again, and begin with some interview once again, and begin with some routine questions.routine questions.

Then you can move through other Then you can move through other questions that will give information to questions that will give information to provide a well-rounded story.provide a well-rounded story.


Avoid asking confrontational questions—Avoid asking confrontational questions—those that put the source on the those that put the source on the defensive. The source will avoid giving you defensive. The source will avoid giving you information.information.

A reporter is supposed to be a neutral A reporter is supposed to be a neutral bystander who gets facts on all sides of an bystander who gets facts on all sides of an issue. The source may feel like the issue. The source may feel like the reporter is siding with the opposition. Just reporter is siding with the opposition. Just ask the questions more diplomatically.ask the questions more diplomatically.

One way to accomplish this is by One way to accomplish this is by attributing the question to someone else.attributing the question to someone else.

Establishing Rapport cont.Establishing Rapport cont. By phrasing the question in the impersonal, By phrasing the question in the impersonal,

general terms of general terms of many studentsmany students or or peoplepeople, , the reporter is giving the source a chance to the reporter is giving the source a chance to explain the action so that his or her side of explain the action so that his or her side of the story is presented fairly to the public.the story is presented fairly to the public.

The use of a question that seems to come The use of a question that seems to come from unnamed others, a from unnamed others, a third person third person questionquestion, is a simple way of getting , is a simple way of getting sensitive information without seeming to pry sensitive information without seeming to pry for personal gain.for personal gain.

Asking the question in third person gives the Asking the question in third person gives the question more power, because the person is question more power, because the person is answering to more than just the reporter.answering to more than just the reporter.

Concluding the InterviewConcluding the Interview Before you close an interview, quickly Before you close an interview, quickly

review your notes.review your notes. Ask the source to clarify any points you are Ask the source to clarify any points you are

uncertain about and answer any questions uncertain about and answer any questions you may have overlooked.you may have overlooked.

In just about every interview, the last In just about every interview, the last question should be the same: “Is there question should be the same: “Is there anything you’d like to add?”anything you’d like to add?”

The question allows the source to The question allows the source to summarize or restate points made earlier or summarize or restate points made earlier or to introduce topics the reporter may have to introduce topics the reporter may have missed. It also serves as a good conclusion missed. It also serves as a good conclusion to the interview.to the interview.

Concluding the Interview Concluding the Interview cont.cont.

Using the 5 Ws and an H is another good way to Using the 5 Ws and an H is another good way to conclude an interview and be sure basic conclude an interview and be sure basic information has been covered.information has been covered.--HowHow do you spell your name? do you spell your name?--WhatWhat is your title? is your title?--WhereWhere may I reach you if I have questions? may I reach you if I have questions?--WhenWhen is a good time to call? is a good time to call?--WhoWho else do you suggest I talk to about this? else do you suggest I talk to about this?--WhyWhy would that person be a good source? would that person be a good source?

You may need a source for future stories, so end You may need a source for future stories, so end interviews with the same positive rapport created interviews with the same positive rapport created at the beginning.at the beginning.

Writing up the InterviewWriting up the Interview

Read your notes as soon as possible Read your notes as soon as possible after the interview.after the interview.

Highlight quotes or points you think Highlight quotes or points you think are especially significant.are especially significant.

Add notes about your impression of Add notes about your impression of the person, mannerisms or actions the person, mannerisms or actions that will help you remember how the that will help you remember how the words were spoken or how the words were spoken or how the person reacted to a question.person reacted to a question.

Writing up the Interview cont.Writing up the Interview cont.

Fill in missing words, write out abbreviated Fill in missing words, write out abbreviated words, and rewrite or type the notes.words, and rewrite or type the notes.

Contact the source for any information Contact the source for any information that is missing or unclear.that is missing or unclear.

Date your notes, and keep them on file.Date your notes, and keep them on file. The notes may be handy for future stories The notes may be handy for future stories

on the same topic or for recalling sources’ on the same topic or for recalling sources’ names if you want to call them again.names if you want to call them again.

Your notes are also your defense if you’re Your notes are also your defense if you’re ever challenged by a source.ever challenged by a source.

Interviewing GroupsInterviewing Groups

Interviewing a group, especially a close-knit Interviewing a group, especially a close-knit one, or trying to interview a single person in one, or trying to interview a single person in a group situation, can detract from a group situation, can detract from individual responses and change the individual responses and change the atmosphere of the entire interview.atmosphere of the entire interview.

As a student reporter, you should avoid As a student reporter, you should avoid doing one-on-one interviews where doing one-on-one interviews where students congregate. In these settings the students congregate. In these settings the sources will be tempted to give the answers sources will be tempted to give the answers their friends expect to hear rather than their friends expect to hear rather than thoughtful responses they might give in a thoughtful responses they might give in a one-on-one interview.one-on-one interview.

Interviewing Groups cont.Interviewing Groups cont.

Sometimes a reporter may want to get a Sometimes a reporter may want to get a sense of the camaraderie or the feeling of sense of the camaraderie or the feeling of accomplishment among the sources by accomplishment among the sources by interviewing them as a group.interviewing them as a group.

Getting quotations from Getting quotations from person-on-the-person-on-the-street interviewsstreet interviews is another exception. is another exception. These interviews are conducted in places These interviews are conducted in places where people gather or move around. where people gather or move around.

Person-on-the-street interviews produce a Person-on-the-street interviews produce a random sampling of opinions on specific, random sampling of opinions on specific, high-profile issues and provide good high-profile issues and provide good student comments for stories and opinion student comments for stories and opinion pages.pages.

Interviewing Groups cont.Interviewing Groups cont. News conferences are group interviews News conferences are group interviews

planned to convey information planned to convey information simultaneously from one source to many simultaneously from one source to many reporters.reporters.

The source, not the reporter, is in control at The source, not the reporter, is in control at the news conference. The source, place, time the news conference. The source, place, time and number of reporters present all affect the and number of reporters present all affect the opportunity for one reporter to ask questions.opportunity for one reporter to ask questions.

Practice is the best way to learn to get Practice is the best way to learn to get information from news conferences.information from news conferences.

With patience and experience you will learn With patience and experience you will learn to get the needed information in almost any to get the needed information in almost any interview.interview.

SourcesSources

Schaffer, James, Randall McCutcheon Schaffer, James, Randall McCutcheon and Kathryn T. Stofer. Journalism and Kathryn T. Stofer. Journalism Matters. Lincolnwood: Contemporary, Matters. Lincolnwood: Contemporary, 2001.2001.

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