1. Conducting An Interview and Taking Notes 2008 ASNE Reynolds High School Journalism Institute - Arizona State University Steve Elliott: steve.elliott@asu.edusteve.elliott@asu.edu Director, Cronkite News Service and Professor of Practice

2. Interview: Defined A conversation directed toward a goal. Any interview begins with a goal: –This comes from your reporting plan. –Be ready to change direction based on what you find. Direct interviews toward this goal: –Select sources strategically –Frame questions well (research helps) –Seek detail, clear answers; follow up

3. Arranging an Interview Call, e-mail, letter, show up -- depends on story Identify yourself –You have a responsibility to let them know you are a reporter and for what publication Set place: –If possible, in person (subject’s turf) –Sometimes done by phone (better in person) Describe story –General terms –If necessary, explain benefits to reluctant source –Never mislead them

4. Conducting the Interview The Basics: –Dress appropriately (be in dress code) –Be on time (10 minutes early) Structure –Funnel interview (background first) –Inverted funnel (straight to point) Plan your questions –Stems from research -- do your homework! –Open- vs. closed-ended –Adjust structure, questions if necessary

5. All The President’s Men #1 What does the reporter do well? –DVD Track 8: 23:22

6. Conducting the Interview Establish a connection with the source –Small talk (homework pays off here) “I understand you are from Littletown, Texas.” Look for pictures, funny decorations, things in common Eye contact Don’t convey a bias either way Writing, Recording –Notebooks and recorders intimidate If possible, don’t whip out notebook right away Ask permission to use a recorder Put the notebook or recorder in an unnoticeable place –Ask general questions, transition to notes, recording

7. Conducting the Interview Have list of questions handy –If possible, memorize them –Don’t leave questions on cover or page one of notebook –Put basics (spelling, title, grade) somewhere near beginning Keep interview on track, focused on goal –Ask follow-up questions for clarity –Don’t convey bias either way Listen, then listen some more Observe –Mannerisms, tenor of voice, environment

8. Conducting the Interview Tip No. 1 Acknowledge what you don’t understand and seek an explanation.

9. Conducting the Interview Tip No. 2 It often helps to repeat back to them key points to make sure you and source are on same page.

10. Conducting the Interview Tip No. 3 It’s OK to ask for time to write down a quote or information accurately.

11. Conducting the Interview Tip No. 4 Don’t go overboard demonstrating knowledge of a subject.

12. Conducting the Interview Tip No. 5 Embrace silence.

13. Conducting the Interview Tip No. 6 Get agreement that you can call/email for clarification or follow-up questions (agree to means for doing so).

14. Conducting the Interview Next Steps: –Conduct more research –Interview more people –Go back with more questions –Go back to seek clarification Strong reporting plan helps avoid this

15. All the President’s Men What does this reporter do well? #2 –Track 17: 1:13:40 –End with Mitchell quote, 1:19:45 What do the reporters do well? #3 –Track 19: 1:27:20 –End with “Republican.”

16. Difficult Interviews The Hostile Source –Make sure source knows the story will run –Tell them you are fulfilling your obligation to be fair –Don’t convey bias either way –Sometimes can give them time and try again –Often source knows you, your reputation –Sometimes it helps to be a little aggressive, timid reporters are easy to scare off

17. Difficult Interviews The Reluctant Source –Keep asking questions. You never know … –Make them feel comfortable –If they won’t call back: Often helps to leave letter at door or e-mail Send word through someone else –Death of loved one, trauma Want to make sure have whole story Make sure they know you don’t enjoy it

18. Difficult Interviews Belated “Off the Record” –You have no obligation to grant –Depends on: Importance of story Importance of source in future

19. E-mail Interviews Agree to it only as last resort –Kills spontaneity –No eye contact Be very careful –Must be absolutely certain of source

20. Notes and Quotes Get down the quotes –Remember The Titans –“Gettysburg Cemetery Scene”

21. Anybody know what this place is? It’s Gettysburg, this is where they fought the battle of Gettysburg. Fifty thousand men died right here on this field. Fighting the same fight that we are still fighting amongst ourselves today. This green field right here was painted red, bubbling with blood of young boys. Smoke and hot lead pouring right through their bodies. Listen to their souls men, I killed my brother with malice in my heart. Hatred destroyed my family. You listen and you can take a lesson from the dead. If we don’t come together right now on this hallowed ground, we too will be destroyed just like they were. I don’t care if you like each other right now, but you will respect each other. And maybe, I don’t know maybe, you’ll learn to play this game like men.

22. Notes and Quotes Take extra pencils or pens Your recorder will ALWAYS fail you Big writing surface sometimes helps –Especially covering speeches. Ask for time to get quote right –It’s OK to have source repeat to fill in the blanks. If you can’t get time … –Zone out and concentrate on the quote you have. –It’s a calculated risk.

23. Observe Witness (11 1:11:35) –You’re writing a profile of an Amish community and have been invited to witness an Amish barn-raising. –What do you see that represents the essence of this community? Try describing it as you’d write it. –What are some questions you’d want answered based on what you see?

24. Use all of your senses. –The entrance to the fair smelled like cotton candy. Use strong verbs and nouns, not adjectives –Simile and metaphor can work. Look for active people. Provide real dialog. Provide facts not opinions. Take a picture. It lasts longer. Observe