Interviewing

Quick Facts The person you’re interviewing can be referred to as: the interviewee, the newsmaker, the guest, or the talking head. Quotes pulled from the interview are called sound bytes or actualities. (duh) Newspaper reporters have it easier! Why? They can go into depth with their interviews. We have limited time, especially for our Tomahawk actualities.

Before the Interview Do your research. Warm up the talking head? Don’t waste time asking questions that the public already knows the answer to. Ex: Asking Dr. Williams how long she has been our principal. Warm up the talking head? Usually, it helps an interview to give the talking head the questions ahead of time. This way, he or she is prepared to answer the questions. Unless you are trying to catch the interviewee by surprise (maybe a controversial interview), this is an excellent technique.

During the Interview Sound Quality Questions Outside the Studio (nat sound, classroom noises, etc.) Inside the Studio (mic adjustments & checks) Questions Open-ended (“Do you like turtles?” vs “What do you like about turtles?”) Leading (“Were you upset when you saw the photos?” vs “How did you feel when you saw the photos?”) Tough Not a great idea for MHS interviews; can be irritating or confrontational. (“Many students say that your PowerPoint Presentations are stupid and ineffective. How do you respond?”)

During the Interview Listening Finish up Pay attention to the interviewee’s answers! Awkward Interviewer Responses: “That sounds truly amazing.” Annoyed Interviewee: “I already answered that question.” Potential actualities Do any of the answers sound “fishy?” Do you have enough information? Finish up You may want to ask the talking head for a place for listeners to go for more information. And/or, “Would you like to add anything?”

After the Interview Team up with the fact checker. Edit the actuality/sound byte. Give the copywriter a lead-in. Thank the interviewee; usually, an email is appropriate.

What else? Off the record Man on the street Phone interview Bad: We can’t use anything anyone tells us off the record. Good: However, it can lead us to someone who will. Man on the street Take a question that an ordinary citizen may like to give a comment on, station yourself (or not), and ask the question to those passing by. Phone interview Good: convenience, pajamas Bad: interruptions, bad service

Your Interview Project Part 1: Select a noteworthy teacher, faculty member, or student and research that person. (You must have at least one outside source). Prepare a half-page proposal outlining why you wish to interview this person and what you hope to get out of the interview. (Show your research). Once your proposal has been approved, contact that person and get his or her approval for the interview. Create ten questions, and get them approved. (Warm up the interviewee)?

Part 2 Part 3 Sign up for interview time Conduct the interview You can conduct in the studio or sign out a hand-held recorder. Conduct the interview Part 3 Write a :45 – 1:30 (intervals of about :15) story for your interview using 2-3 actualities Record and edit Submit High five your partner