Feature Writing INTERVIEWS October 17, 2013

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS Feature interviews are only different from interviews for news pieces from the point of view that you may have longer to get familiar with the subject matter - and the person you are interviewing. They still need to follow all the basic rules and steps for successful news interviews. The key to good interviewing lies in preparedness – practice and experience.

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS Research is the key to being prepared. Even if you only have 10 minutes notice – try to get some background on the interviewee or the subject matter of the story. Those you are interviewing will be impressed and flattered that you have taken the time and trouble to get to know something about them or whatever it is they are involved in.

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS Knowing something about the person you are interviewing, or the subject matter, will enable you to ask better questions and to feel confident in doing so. So how do you undertake research?

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS There are several things you can think about: check if there is a news release on the subject look at any other material that might have arrived in the newsroom. If it is a singer - have you heard their latestmusic release? An actor - their latest film? Is there anything about the person/subject in your newspaper’s own cuttings files? Are there any other cuttings you can look at? Particularly recent ones that might be the reason why the person/ subject is being covered?

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS Speak to colleagues - has anyone else covered this story or know anything about it? Look up reference sources like who’s who. And finally…check the internet. Having prior knowledge is important to you and your story - but can also help put your interviewee at ease or make them happier to speak with you because you have clearly put in some effort.

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS The effort made in the research stage reaps rewards when you are devising your questions. Questions are aimed at getting information - in the shape of good quotes that you can easily drop into your copy and bring the story to life for your readers. Getting good answers = having good questions.

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS If you were to be interviewing one of the following for a feature piece for Saturday which questions would you ask? A.Alex SalmondB.Alan Rusbridger C.Eleanor CattonD.James Naughtie If you were given these themes who would you plan to interview? A. Health issues in ScotlandB. Press coverage of politicians C. Poverty in the UKD. Do strikes work?

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS You must plan, plan and plan again. Do your research AND plan your questions in advance. Prepare and list your questions before you go into the interview - this helps you navigate through the interview and in writing the piece. It gives you more control of the interview and as the interviewer you should guide the process if you are going to get what you want from it.

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS As the journalist it is your job to control the interview - indeed many interviewees expect this to happen. It is important that you realise that relinquishing control of the interview can lead you down paths you may not need to go, essentially because they take you further away from your story. If this does happen you need to re-phrase questions and politely but firmly get back on track.

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS This notion of ‘control’ will often depend on your experience but also on your confidence as an interviewer. Whether it is your first or your 500th interview, having done your research and knowing what you are talking about will increase your confidence. HOWEVER, remember it is an interview and not an interrogation!

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS Asking the questions You should try to arrange your questions in a logical manner, and answer then accordingly in the piece. Avoid multiple questions: “Was the inspiration for your new movie based on your own life or did you have to do a lot of research?”

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS Asking the questions Your list of questions will act as a guide through the interview, but you also need to be ready to vary your approach accordingly. Questions need to be framed to achieve their purpose – you will only understand what this is if you have done all the research and planning prior to the interview. This also enables you to customise your questions and feel more confident – which will hopefully also mean better answers.

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS Asking difficult questions If you have tough difficult questions to ask then plan them out. You must decide when to ask them and each interview will be different. There are two approaches:_ at the start – gets it out of the way. at the end – when you have gathered load of information.

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS Asking difficult questions Some reporters even give a warning that they are going to ask a difficult question. Key is to make the question as simple and clear as possible. Do not add criticism, loaded words etc.

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS Asking difficult questions You can even refer to that fact that it is a difficult question to answer. For example, if someone is (aggressively) refusing to answer a question you could try: “What you just said, (in my opinion), didn’t answer the question. So, I’ll ask it again and hope this time you’ll provide a useful/more relevant/less hostile answer…”

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS Conducting the interview Remember you need to establish a rapport with the interviewee. How long do you think this takes?

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS Research shows that it takes around 240 seconds - 4 minutes to establish a working relationship with the subject. But we all know that it is often more instant than this!

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS As well as bearing in mind the basic issues of research and questions you also need to think about how you conduct the interview. TIME - make a point of clarifying exactly just how you have. LOCATION - make sure you know where you are meeting and that it is an appropriate environment in which to conduct an interview.

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS You achieve what you need to achieve by: asking clear questions listening to the answers encouraging the interviewee to keep talking

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS In addition, you should:- listen and record. Don’t argue, judge, laugh or show any strong feelings. learn to ask good questions. hold your ego in check. be prepared to learn from your mistakes.

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS THINGS TO CONSIDER: Should you let them see your questions in advance? You do not have to do this. You could let them see an outline of the areas you intend to cover - which could actually be very helpful to the interviewee. PRs will usually pressure you to do this but it is likely your news organisation will have a policy that it will enforce on your behalf.

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS THINGS TO CONSIDER: Should you let them see it before it is printed? Again many will ask to see it - rarely if ever will you agree - and usually it is a strict editorial policy.

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS Interviewing is one of the most important and enjoyable aspects of journalism but it does need to be treated with seriousness. Basic steps to follow Plan It is essential that you know what you want to know, so have your questions prepared. Listen no ‘talking’ journalist ever held a good interview – silence really is golden.

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS Research find out as much about the interviewee/subject before the interview – it gives you the edge. Empathise you don’t have to like your interviewee but thinking of yourself in their shoes can be helpful in working out the likely impact of your questions.

Feature Writing INTERVIEWS And finally… Don’t forget the basics - remember to check the spelling of names and places, even if they seem straightforward. Get contact details, just in case you need to go back and check anything - and leave your contact details in case there is anything they want to add. Good research leads to good questions which lead to good answers, which in turn lead to pieces that are easier to write and more enjoyable & informative to read.

Feature Writing INTERVIEW TASK Write up an interview-based feature, around 600 words. You can choose to interview someone you know who has an interesting story to tell or you can write a background piece to a news story. The choice is yours. DEADLINE: THURSDAY OCTOBER 24, 2013 AT