1. Chapter 5 Interviewing

2. General Guidelines Go to primary source Always find the best source of information for your story Always identify yourself as a reporter Be comfortable – the ‘poker face’

3. Preparing Questions Have them ready before calling the individual for the interview – WHY? Do some research Use library and students / faculty Be straight forward when you speak No ‘yes / no’ questions Ask open ended questions No ‘-est’ questions – very limiting (p. 102)

4. Stock Questions When to use stock questions Sports stories Quick set-up interview What are some types of stock questions?

5. Embarrassing Questions Sometimes these questions must be asked Don’t snoop or pry out of curiosity Don’t get hostile

6. Listening to Responses Pay attention to how question is answered Calm – weary – scared – angry Listen for ‘no comment’ or ‘that’s a good question’ Don’t argue Wandering is not bad At the end ask the following: “Is there anything else you would like to add?”

7. Conducting the Interview Introduce yourself – firm hand shake Basic data – name (check spelling & preference), job title, years in position Begin with small questions – then move deeper – WHY?

8. Observing Listen to what is said and not said Watch the actions and gestures Anecdotes? Pounding the desk? Quiet?

9. Being Friendly Establish credibility Rapport - you need strong rapport Good eye contact – but not too much No gum, look nice Verbal responses are important Nodding your head Develop an atmosphere of trust

10. Taking Notes Tape recorder can be good and bad What are the pros and cons? Take down notes Write down quotes

11. Email Interview Always strive for the face to face interview Email does work, but you will not get at the emotion of the interviewee

12. Other Interviewing Components Off the record – (p. 107-108) Source must go off the record at the beginning of the interview The Interview Story Very difficult Be specific in detail Details Examine p. 108-109

13. More Components Quotes Use as many as possible Question – Answer Good technique You will cut some of the interview out This allows the reader to really get a feel for the interviewee

14. Prepublication Checking Okay to go over the story with a source Good for two reasons Human Relations Eliminate Mistakes Hard to prove malice if story read to source What should our policy be?

15. Prior Review School administrators look over information Borders on censorship Remember Hazelwood?

16. THE END