Framing and Conducting Research for a Profile Interviewing Framing and Conducting Research for a Profile
Building a Rapport Rapport is the relationship between you and your interviewee – try to establish a congenial and comfortable situation Is there a logo on their tshirt you recognize? Ask about it. Did you just get back from a vacation? Ask how it was. Introduce yourself and your purpose Define the interview, what your goals are and lay out a GENERAL plan Ask for permission Be sure it is clear that you are going to write an article; make sure they are comfortable being quoted If you are going to record, be sure you ask permission for that separately.
Questioning Prepare questions in advance, and do your research so you’re asking meaningful questions Instead of, “What award did you receive at the VMAs?” ask “You were nominated for Best Artist – what was your reaction to be alongside Rihanna and the Beach Boys?” Ask one question at a time When you bundle questions, people usually only remember the last thing you said. Use neutral language Instead of asking “Are you happy about the results?” ask “How do you feel about the results?” This creates a more open question, allowing for better answers.
Get Those Facts Clear Be cautious of chronology People don’t usually talk from beginning to end, so don’t be afraid to ask about the timeline Verify your facts Don’t assume what you read online or what you overheard at Sheetz is true. Do your best to make it conversational Avoid making it feel like an inquisition Don’t make it about you, but it’s OK to say how you relate or agree Make statements instead of always asking questions
Using quotes
Use quotes because they… Provides color Lends authenticity and realism to the story Increase reader interest in the story Personalizes the story for the reader Moves the story along Reveals something crucial about the subject Expresses a thought better than the writer can Reveals character traits about a subject Captures dramatic moments better than exposition could Suggest universal truths
Types of Quotations Direct quotations Uses the person's exact words. Contained in quotation marks. Faulty grammar may be polished if the person you are quoting would recognize the error in print. Only use a direct quote if it is articulate, clear and expresses an idea better than you can in your own words. Be cautious not to take a quote out of context – report the quotation in the spirit with which it was said. Example: egregious.
Direct Quote Example In an interview, for example, the speaker may tend to ramble. Suppose the speaker, Principal Don Jackson, actually said: “Well, ah, what I’m trying to get across is, maybe we ought to consider, ah, whether or not the students, you know, should be allowed to smoke anywhere on this campus.” In print the quoted remark probably would be simplified to: “We ought to consider whether or not students should be allowed to smoke anywhere on this campus.”
Types of Quotations Indirect Quotes Partial Quotations Mostly uses the person's ideas in their words. A few words my be changed for clarification. Not in quotation marks as words are not exactly what person said. Partial Quotations A combination of direct and paraphrased quotations. Will have some words in quotation marks. AP states this style is overused by professionals.
Types of Quotations Paraphrased Quotes Dialogue Paraphrasing means using the ideas of an author, but not using his or her exact words. Uses the reporter’s words & terms. The meaning should be the same. No quotation marks used. Dialogue Combines two or more speakers. Often seen in feature stories & magazines. May be seen in trial court reporting.
Attribution In most cases, “said” is appropriate since it is neutral There are other verbs you can use, but be conservative Attribute the source with name and title AFTER Example: “This year’s textbooks are going to be more expensive,” Mary Smith, librarian, said. Use this method! BEFORE Example: Mary Smith, librarian, said “This year’s textbooks are going to be more expensive.” Avoid this method