Interviewing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_an_eC37eU

What is your goal? What do you want to get from the interview? Specific Information? Background? Opinions / Perspective? Why are you interviewing this person? Why now?

Three parts to each interview Pre- Interview Interview Post Interview

Pre-Interview What type of interview will best suit your editorial needs? Should it be done by phone, email or in person? How busy is the interviewee? How close are you to deadline? The best interviews are always those done in person. Why? You can add color to the story by describing the individual and their surroundings as well as their mannerisms and see how their body language coincides with what they are saying. Also it gives you an opportunity to establish a rapport and get more indepth responses. --- Email pitfalls – person may not respond, possibly misinterpret the question, or give an inadequate response.

Pre-Interview Do your “homework”. Find out as much as possible about the person or topic. Check the newspaper's “morgue” or library, check online. Check with experts in the field. Rich Kellman interviewing Egyptian man at Medaille.

Next Steps of Action Arrange the interview Dress appropriately Be punctual Determine what “tools” you will use Write down your questions (what would my readers/viewers want to know). When arranging the interview, give the subject an idea of what the interview will be about so they can be prepared. -- You may have to be persistent. Some people may not want to be interviewed. Might have to let them know that their input is important to the story. Two pens & paper or pad or electronic recording device – be sure to let the person know if you are recording them. Be sure you have enough recording time and good batteries. Charlie Dick story. Test audio level and recheck recorder as interview goes on. Use recorder with digital counter – easy to track and replay key parts of the interview.

The Interview Position yourself carefully. Start slowly Speak the language of the interviewee (know the appropriate terminology.) Note interesting mannerisms, gestures, surroundings. Do not interrupt. Don't break their chain of thought Don't argue with the source

The Interview If you do not understand a word or comment, ask them to explain. If you are unsure of what they said, ask them to repeat it. If you need more time to write down an important quote, just explain it to them. Be a good listener. Speak loud and clearly. Accuracy is vital – be sure to take the time and get it right. Write what they said, not what you think they said. -- Listen to hear if they answered your question Listen to hear if the response should take the interview in a different direction. Listen to hear answers that may trigger new questions. Listen to hear if there are gaps in a story. Listen to hear if the subject is getting agitated or bored.

The Interview Be sure your questions are clear and in a logical order. Be mindful that people may speak more freely when they think the interview is over. As the last question: “Is there anything I should have asked that I didn't? Or “Is there anything else you would like to add?” Be sure to have contact information for follow- up & thank the subject for their time.

POST INTERVIEW Review and write out your notes as soon as possible after the interview. Be sure recording is okay. Check any facts that may be suspect. Determine if follow up questions or interview is necessary.

Concerns Lack of continuity in questions. Lack of focus and detail. Did not ask final question Failure to get anecdotes, detailed quotes and examples. Be sure to ask follow up questions - Why? How? Explain?

Preparing the story . . . Need to develop theme. In one sentence what will the story be about? Is it a … Story about overcoming the odds/adversity Story about a dream come true Story about someone who is more than meets the eye A modern success story A day in the life of... Biographical / career information will support the story but should not be the story.

Hearst contest - profiles http://www.hearstfdn.org/hearst_journali sm/championship.php?year=2008&type =Writing