1. Pre-Interview  Do your homework before the interview (background info./secondary sources/angle)  Seeking the opposing point of view strengthens the story. Set up interviews with several sources with several points of view. Rule of thumb - at least three diverse, credible sources  Prepare open-ended questions - not one answer or yes/no answer. Use follow up questions  Contact the individual early to set up a time for a phone call, meeting, or e-mail conversation

2. Closed 1.Were you excited about being named Homecoming queen? 2.Do you think blood drives are good ideas? 3.Do you like your English class? 4.Who will you vote for this election? 5.Do you mentally prepare before a game? Open 1.How does it feel to be named Homecoming queen? 2.Why are you giving blood today? 3.Tell me about your English class. 4.What do you think about the two candidates in this election? 5.How do you mentally prepare for a game?

3. Interview etiquette  Introduce self, explain the purpose of your interview, ask politely and say thank you (remember they don’t have to do this and are taking time to do you a favor)  Use respectful language (don’t be defensive, don’t use slang, don’t interrupt, use respectful salutations, use complete sentences)  Be prepared - have note book, working pen (and backup just in case), and, if possible, a recorder  DO NOT ASK:  DO NOT ASK: “Can you give a quote for this?”  ASK:  ASK: Who, What, Where, When Why, How (especially these last two) – get specific answers; ask follow-up questions

4. If you have to interview someone through e-mail or Facebook (which is not favorable – if possible, do a face-to-face interview)  Follow all interview etiquette for a face-to-face interview  Use correct, standard English (NO abbrev like lol, u, thnx, BTW)  Send a thank you e-mail after you have received a response

5. - Quotes printed word for word exactly as the speaker said them are direct quotes. These words appear inside quotation marks. - Direct quotes should be used the most and are used when a source expresses an opinion or uses detailed/descriptive wording. - Direct quotes should match exactly as what is on the signed interview sheet; split longer quotes into two – quotes shouldn’t be longer than three lines Direct Quotes

6. Partial Quotes Sometimes it might work better to use a portion of a quote to convey the source’s thoughts than to use an entire quote. When reporters do this, they put the portion of the quote they do use inside quotation marks. Use partial quotes when you need to use a speaker’s exact words but the entire direct quote might be too long or too confusing for the reader. Do not take the quote out of context

7.  Name and grade  1 minute background information  Pick focus and write 3 open ended questions about the focus  3 minute interview – write direct quotes  Who and best open-ended question and direct quote