1. College Composition II Stark State College
Interviewing
College Composition II
Stark State College

2. What does it mean to interview a community member?
Part of interviewing a community member involves the systematic collection of a living person’s testimony about their own experiences.
Often the interview will include details and stories that have not been written down before.
event
interviewee
interviewer
historical record

3. The interviewing process can be circular:
A “circular process” means that you may need to ask follow-up questions or do more background research once the interview is over.
Interviewing (like other research) isn’t always a step-by-step, easy process.
form central question
conduct background research
conduct interview
process interview
organize and present results

4. Choosing an Interviewee:
Choose someone from a community that’s of interest to you. – pg #7 IJ
Conduct preliminary research on your interviewee. You do not want to under-mind your interviewee. Know something about them, their position, and/or their role. – pg #7 IJ
Aim high—you have an “in” being a college student, so try asking someone you don’t know or thought you may never have the chance to meet.

5. Choosing a format:
face-to-face – Speaking with someone is preferable and the best option, because you can hear their tone and watch for nonverbal cues.
– is convenient, because you have a record of the discussion, but you miss out on tone and nonverbal cues. If you choose this method, send an introductory asking for their participation and consent before sending questions
phone – This is the least preferable form, because archiving and note-taking are difficult while listening.

6. Determine Interview Concentration
What will be the focus of your interview? What do you hope to gain from meeting and conversing with your interviewee?
To begin brainstorming – develop an idea web (much like the one we developed when we wrote about “A Place Called Home”)
Webbing Ideas from Ms. O =
Purpose of community, - Reputation, - Tech.
Communication, - Environment
Groups within community and functionality,
Establishing trust within community,
Exchange of ideas, support, values, etc.,
Issues Facing*

7. Homework:
Your next assignment is to select an interviewee based upon the information provided to you today – List on page #7 of IJ
Once you’ve selected an interviewee, conduct some preliminary research on their position, title, job requirements, role in society, etc… - Record info. On page #7 of IJ
Determine the format through which you would like to conduct your interview – Pg #7 IJ
(WEB) Determine Interview Concentration – Pg #8 IJ

8. Tuesday, February 6th Good morning.
Please have out your invention journals. Today our goals are to:
Determine primary focus of developing interview
Discuss successful interview tactics and guidelines to developing interview questions.
View and reflect upon two videos (Katie Couric and Nancy Grace)

9. Formulating questions:
Compile a list of topics or questions.
Ask easy questions first.
Ask personal or emotionally demanding questions after developing a rapport.
End with lighter questions.
Be flexible—watch for and pick up on promising topics introduced by the interviewee.

10. Thinking about the Interview: Question Types
- Example #1
- Example #2
What stood out to you from these interviews? Be prepared with a response to this question as we will discuss following each video.

11. Step-to-Step Guide We will skim this information together.
Ultimately, it is YOUR responsibility to read this information thoroughly and develop your line of questions accordingly.

12. For Remaining Class Time…
First –
Thoroughly read and annotate the provided information. I am available to answer questions should you have them.
Then -
Analyze your idea-web from last night
What are the 3-4 topics you MOST wish to address during your interview. Make a tentative selection.
Next –
Begin developing questions on page #9 of your IJ.
Consider the information you have been supplied with today.
Draft potential questions. Give yourself a variety of questions to select from for your interview. Consider the interviewee, the intended audience for your paper (the collegiate student community), and your overall developing objective.
Finally –
Review your developed question list with a trusted friend or relative. Verbally read the questions to them! Are the questions you are asking clear? Concise? Do they require a developed answer from the interviewee?

13. Asking your questions:
Make sure the interviewee understands the purpose of the interview.
Listen actively and intently.
Start with less probing questions.
Limit interviews to one to two hours.
Write a thank-you note or send an .

14. Writing your essay:
After the interview, make notes about what you observed, saw, heard, thought, and include any additional questions you have.
Analyze the interview—what did you learn?
Think about your next project—what further questions do the interview results suggest? What interesting topic(s) arose during the interview that might require further research or another interview?

15. Remember to consider: Who do you want to interview?
Why do you want to interview this specific person?
How might this interview/person/story/topic connect to your Research Essay?
What is the best format for conducting your interview?
your interviewee