Interviewing Tactics & Considerations Dr. Jason Hutchens

Factors to Consider Distribution? – Text (Web/Print) – Audio – Video – Multimedia Audience? – General Public Age, cultural background, gender, profession, political affiliation, etc. – Academic

General Preparation Research – Learn about person or subject ahead of time – Improves your credibility – (if recording for presentation) contact interviewee ahead of time to conduct ‘pre-interview’ Prepare a list of questions – Use as a guide during interview (be flexible) Use small talk at start of interview Let interviewee know what to expect when you arrive to conduct interview

Prepping the Interviewee Video interviews: – Advise them on what to wear – Solid white/black are bad for cheap cameras – Thin horizontal lines in clothing are bad Do you need B-roll? (video) – Plan what shots you’ll need prior to interview

Types of Questions Ask open-ended questions: – Who, what, when, where, why, how… Questions that elicit one-word responses should be used sparingly – Can use to corral line of questioning (aggressive tactic) Leading questions: – “You really hate the new tenure and promotion policies, don’t you?” – Use sparingly (if at all) Silence as a question – We all use silence in classrooms to elicit responses from quiet groups – this works during interviews as well

Text Output (print/web) Notetaking – Don’t have to record – Reporter’s notebook – Setting: quiet place where interviewee is comfortable Throw-away questions – Good when trying to keep up with interviewee

Recorded Interviews (A/V) Maintain eye contact as much as possible – Practice taking notes without looking at recording device Smile Don’t make sounds while interviewee is responding – Use nonverbal affirmations Noisy jewelry/clothing? Pause slightly between questions – Necessary for editing content

Video Position yourself near camera to avoid side profile of subject Determine when planning project if interviewees will be addressing camera or talking to off-camera interviewer – Be consistent

Recording Tools