Preparation:
The more structure and preparation you demonstrate,
the better the interview will be.
The following are guidelines in developing good
interviews
- Develop a statement of interest, including
What you find interesting about the subject
What you will be able to discover through the interview that you could not
otherwise
- Research thoroughly whatever public knowledge
you can find on the person, the project, the company, and/or events
The interview begins before you meet the person!
- Prioritize a set of objectives and questions
Going in prepared makes you look even more capable and competent
- Discover what is necessary to fit into their environment/space;
ask advice of others if necessary.
Your objective is to make the interview subject feel comfortable, and willing
to share what is important to them. Ask yourself: "How would I want to
be treated if the roles were reversed?"
Dress neatly and appropriately for the situation
- Develop a checklist of what "tools" are needed
notebook, pens, recording device, etc.
- Arrange for the interview "on location" if possible
and/or appropriate
It will add to its sense of place, voice, and story
The Interview
-
Arrive early
Avoid traffic, parking, getting lost problems
Observe and orient yourself to your
subject's
environment, working conditions, co-workers, etc.
Don't be "nosey" but be alert!
Don't interfere with on-going operations
- Treat the interview like a conversation only with more structure.
Begin with your list of questions
Follow chance openings
Keep in mind your objectives
- Actively listen to understand and report
Affirm that you understand what they are saying
Do not agree or disagree with the person
Do not debate what they have to say
- Know when to shut up
Listen carefully enough so that you know when to let your source pause to
collect his or her thoughts. Don't feel the need to fill every empty space
with conversation
- Don't be afraid to say you don't understand,
or need more explanation.
Use your own words to repeat back; ask: "So what you're saying is ..." or "So
let me get this straight..."
- Be willing at all times to be surprised; follow chance
openings
Don't think you know what the story is about.
Don't let your own feelings or bias shape the questions you ask
Introductions (a "few" minutes)
- Introduce yourself and your project
- Ask for the person's name, title, business card,
photograph or digital image, company logo, etc. as appropriate
- Try to make the person you interview
(and yourself!) comfortable. Some casual conversation is appropriate as
ice-breaker: express your appreciation for their time and willingness.
Compliment their office, directions, your respect for their achievements, etc.
- If this is your first interview,
share that you are developing your interviewing technique
- If you know the person from before,
keep in mind that your project may require that you be impartial or neutral to
that person's experience. Make no assumptions!
- Offer a consent form
- Introductory questions
-
Be complimentary to set the tone
- Demonstrate your interest and preparation
- Verify a few known selected facts, sequences, etc.
(I read your biography and saw your degrees
are in....
(The newspaper reported that your neighborhood has succeeded in...
(In your company's annual report, I read that the most successful product
line is...
(What prepared you for your success in...
(How did you become interested in....)
(I read that you started out as a chemist, and developed yourself to
become....
(What books or people most influenced your....
(I see that your position is responsible for....
(Who were your important role models or teachers for....
(What was the consequence of....)
Follow the order and priority of your questions
- Transitions:
be aware
of time constraints and your purpose:
look for a convenient jumping off point to engage the subject
- Develop more depth/complexity as the interview develops,
given the comfort level and opportunity
- Avoid yes/no questions
Ask some questions that can be only answered with a story
This reinforces your interest in not only getting "facts" but also the
role your subject has played. It lends voice to the narrative, and
can personalize the story for your readers.
-
Don't accuse (Why DID you ....?"),
rather ask if the person would like to respond to accusations, or tell their
side, or...
- Develop scenes and themes during the interview
(It sounds like .... is very important to
you, what/how/... has it affected...
(What was most significant in....
(What difficulties or challenges were most important...
(How did you react to....
(How do you see your role in changing....
(At what point did you know you wanted to.... How did you meet
this challenge or change?
(What do you see as your current/next challenge...
(In the ...., I read that you said ".........", can you provide more
detail?
(How do you keep track of ....
(Some people say that ...., but you seem to take another path. Can
you explain the difference?)
Transition to conclusion
- Keep aware of the time,
and all the topics you need to cover
- Ask if there are additional points
that have not been addressed
- Summarize a few important points
to verify if you understand correctly
- Ask for references for additional information,
sources for data, or advice for further development
Conclusion
-
Review your timeline toward completing your
project
-
Volunteer to provide a copy of your
completed report, article, or a summary of the presentation, including any
reactions to the interviewee
-
Express sincere appreciation
Note taking:
- While taking notes,
don't hesitate to ask for clarifications or better understanding:
"Could you repeat that, please? I want to make sure I
get all of that down."
"I am not sure I followed that, do you mean that...."
- Label and date notes and tapes for easy reference
- If you tape record the interview
Test your recorder, its tape and batteries before you start
Get permission, in writing or on the tape
Continue to write notes, especially of key points, to be safe
Types of interviews:
- Celebrity and newsmaker
Understanding who stands behind success or notoriety
- Professional profiles
Understanding professions, careers, companies,
institutions
- Project profiles
Developing a project history from inspiration (to
conclusion) and consequences
- Oral history
Learning about past events and experiences
- Employment
Developing your interviewing skills will also help you when
you are, in turn, interviewed
- Person-on-the-street interviews,:1
Be brief and friendly, yet businesslike.
Don't walk up to people with a "sorry to bother you" attitude. Develop a
professional manner and act the part:
- Identify yourself and explain what you're doing.
- Request permission to ask a few questions
- Ask for the person's name and where they're from:
Verify names -- especially spellings
- Be brief and look for follow-up possibilities
- Save tougher questions for near the end of the
interview
- Thank the person -- remember that anyone who consents
to an interview is doing you a favor, whether they are getting anything
out of it or not
- If the story is being published, let the person know
where and what your name is again
- No matter how rude someone is to you, be polite.
Be businesslike. Remind the person you've approached why you're there and,
if you can, repeat your question. If the situation doesn't improve, walk
away. And don't take it personally.
This Guide and on-the-street interviews are
based with permission upon
Leslie Rubinkowski
tips presented as a visiting faculty member during the "News Reporting and
Writing Fellowship for College Graduates" at
The Poynter Institute, Summer 2002.
See also:
Johnson and
Hill Staffing Services, Mastering the Interview
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