Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 How to talk to your fellow students to get them talking back!

Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 Interviewing Why is interviewing important? -The number one reason students want to buy a yearbook is because they (or their friends) are in it! -One of the best ways to get as many students in the book as possible is to interview them and find out their unique stories. -Interviewing adds personality to your yearbook. Where to start? -Choose 5-7 students who are not already in the book! -Use your cell phone and check your contact list for students you may not see as much as you used to. -Check Facebook or Twitter for student photos and updates. Who is doing something interesting or participating in something fun?

Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 Interviewing What is interviewing? -Interviewing is just asking people questions and getting them to tell you a story. -Interviewing should be a narrative, with a beginning, middle and end. -Interviewing focuses on a specific event or aspect of a person, not usually their life story! Where to start? -Choose an angle. What story do you want to tell and how? -Formulate your questions. -Take really, really good notes!! You must be accurate and fair.

Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 Interview Questions Prepare questions before you interview. – Always ask open-ended questions, not yes or no questions. – Use superlatives to ask your questions: What was the (best, worst, craziest, etc.) part of (band, football, homecoming week, etc.)? – Follow up with “Why?” Listen carefully to the answers you receive. Look for facts and memories. If you think it’s interesting, chances are somebody else will too!

Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 Preparing for Interviews Before, during & after Personalize questions for each source Conduct interview at a quiet time & place Clearly identify reason for interview: yearbook spread about… Maintain a conversational tone Start with easier questions Ask logical follow-up questions to get more information Listen carefully & take complete notes Thank source for helping you Ask for another interview if needed

Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 Possible Questions 5 Ws & H Who, what, when, where, why, how Objective short answer What was your favorite dress-up day? (followed up with “why”) Multiple choice How long did it take you to get ready? Follow with more details. None I 1-2 hours I 2-4 hours I 4 or more hours Subjective Describe for me your favorite costume.

Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 Possible Questions Plan subjective, open-ended questions to capture personal stories, emotional reactions Why: Why did you invest in the field trips as a local business? How: How do you think this field trip has impacted your classroom experience? Tell me about: Tell me about what impressed you the most about the museum? Describe: Describe your favorite exhibit. Explain: Explain how this changed your perspective of what you learned in class. Tell me more: Tell me more about your day.

Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 What’s in it for me? Mastering interviewing will help you forever! Want a new car or house? You can use your skills to find the best broker or sale. Doctor diagnoses you with a condition you’ve never heard of? By interviewing specialists and experts you can find out more about the condition. Want to find a girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse? Good interview skills might help with this! Hope to be a manager or supervisor? Interviewing skills will help you find good people to work for you. Interviewing skills are invaluable!