1. Humans of New York interview style
Only Human
Humans of New York interview style
News Gathering

2. Interviews Conversation between journalist, subject
Vital source for fact, narrative gathering
Investment of time in research, preparation, execution

3. Type of Questions
Open-ended Questions - asked to encourage a full, meaningful answer
Closed-ended Questions - short or single-word answer
Verification Questions - fact finding, background info, goal to increase depth of knowledge
Behavioral Questions - seekings examples of experiences

4. Basic Tips
Environment - quiet, relaxed, comfortable, minimize distractions
Prepare - make clear the objectives of the interview
Clarify - seek clarification and understanding
Leave opportunity for follow-up
Thank them for their time

5. Brandon Stanton Creator, photographer, interview of Humans of New York
Started in 2010 as a photo census of New York
18 million+ followers
humansofnewyork.com

6. HONY Appeal
“HONY has universal appeal because it breaks down the barriers that we all have as humans and tells the story that no one knows but everyone needs to know.”
Georgie Alexander, Wakeland HS editor 2014
“Anyone can read at least one HONY and the raw feeling in them and makes you feel something, recall a memory. it makes a massive city, this massive world, a little bit smaller. i love the simplicity. you have to read without context, so everyone interprets it differently. it makes me remember everyone has a story, an identity. you can walk into an interview thinking you know someone, but you have no idea.” McKenna Blair, Wakeland HS editor 2015

7. HONY Advice
Accept you will be nervous when approaching people. Energy is everything.
if you are nervous, your subject will be nervous
Talk to everyone. Not just the expected, popular, friendly people.
representative of your student body
People will say no. People will be rude. People will be mean. Don’t take it personal.
Consider every NO just practice for approaching strangers

8. HONY Advice
Don’t try to control the situation. Let the subject lead you.
Be professional without being uptight
be human
be you
Be consistent and committed to telling and sharing stories

9. Main difference It is a conversation. Not an interview.
Don’t run down a list of prepared questions
Let the conversation flow naturally
Build rapport
Ease and comfort with subject
Talk as if you are talking with a friend
Value the person. Find out who they are.
It means a great deal to a person when you take time and place value on their story

10. All examples used with permission from Wakeland High School, The Prowler, Frisco, TX