Interview Tips 21 st Century Journalism Adapted from K. Habiger

Understand your story Make sure you know what the editor expects How long? What section? Work to get details and interesting facts before the interview

Before the interview Prepare, prepare, prepare questions per source You’ll need a primary source for every article Background: Read past articles and search the web for information on topic Schedule an appointment with your sources in advance

Starting the interview Introduce yourself and the name of your publication (shaking hands is polite and appropriate) State the interview’s purpose and how the material will be used (I’m doing a story about…) Ask how to spell the source’s name!

Order of questions Ask the easy questions first. Don’t be afraid to ask questions you already know the answer to, just to confirm or “break the ice.” Ask specific and short questions Keep questions open-ended Avoid this structure: Are you in favor of the bond issue? Why or why not? Instead: Tell me your opinion on the bond issue.

Getting them to talk Use silence to encourage the source to reply. People HATE silence and will do anything to fill them. Give source plenty of time to reply and don’t interrupt Ask for clarification or help with vague or confusing answers

Getting them talk Summarize what the source said if you need clarification If you don’t understand an issue, your reader won’t either As a general rule, don’t use a source “off the record.” It will only complicate matters as you’re learning to be a good reporter.

Taking notes Take notes…always. Tape recorders are helpful but should never be used in place of good note taking Develop short hand techniques Put DQ next to direct quotes or “ ” Abbreviating – texting

Taking notes Observe everything. Little details make great additions to stories KEEP YOUR NOTES

Ending the interview Ask if there is anything else the source would like to add Ask if it is OK to come back and ask additional questions SAY THANK YOU!

Miscellaneous tips Interviews should be conducted in person. They are more personal Phone or interviews are best used for follow-up questions You cannot observe details if you aren’t in that person’s environment

Miscellaneous tips You may read back the quotes you intend to use in the article, but as a rule, we don’t allow a source to read an article before it’s printed Have sources sign/initial notes.

Miscellaneous tips Don’t be quick to blame the source if you don’t get the quotes you need. Ask yourself what questions you’re asking and how you’re asking them Finally, good interviewing is the key to good journalistic writing.