1. Writing for the Web and Interviewing

2. Today’s Class Writing for the Web Interviewing Tips Homework Feedback Response

3. "I try to remember two things: First, if you don't ask, you don't find out; and second, the questions don't do the damage. Only the answers do. ” - Sam Donaldson

4. Interviews Is a primary source of information Represents expert opinion –Be sure to vet your expert, if appropriate

5. Prepare! Find a good location (could be on the phone) Learn the basics of the science behind your story BEFORE interviewing experts Prepare an interview guide

6. Interview Guide Have twice as many questions as you think you will need Make questions open-ended Try to make flow of questions conversational and natural Confirm contact information, title, name spelling, area of expertise, specialty, etc. Check terminology preferences of people being portrayed –For example: “People with dwarism,” “little people,” or “people of short stature”

7. Use open-ended questions. Encourage full, meaningful answers Are more objective and less leading Typically begin with “why” and “how” or phrases like, “tell me about”

8. Some Good Questions Why do you care about this issue? What is your ideal solution/resolution? Tell me about the turning point, the moment when everything changed or catalyzed. How does this make you feel?

9. Change to Open-ended Questions Are you an expert on mammography? Do you support the new USPSTF mammography guidelines? Are you familiar with other guidelines?

10. Asking Questions Don’t interrupt Endure awkward silences Revisit questions or topics that aren’t fully explored

11. Listen Well Listen for potential quotes –adds color through speakers’ lively wording –conveys expert views –shows how people feel Know what you want to get out of the interview –Background information –Re-enactment of an event Be alert for analogies that can clarify your explanations Be neutral, but show empathy when appropriate

12. Take Notes Take good notes/record the interview –When note taking, try to discern chatter from content –Keep taking notes even after interview is officially over, if appropriate –Use inexpensive recording software http://ecamm.com/mac/callrecorder/

13. Closing an Interview After the interview, chat for a bit –Leaves a good impression –Additional material may surface Ask for permission to contact interviewees if questions arise Set aside time to review notes and form rough draft

14. Activity Using materials provided, write interview questions for a phone-based interview about cardiac resynchronization therapy for advanced heart failure Article objective is to educate readers about options that may improve quality of life for themselves or a loved one. –Physician expertise in these procedures is key. Include admin/housekeeping questions

15. Homework No class March 24 Writing assignment: –Revise your feature article based on classmate and my feedback (due April 7) Reading assignment: –Thinking like a fact checker. S. Zielinski. ScienceWriters. Spring 2010, p. 5. –Gastel ch. 11 pg. 219-235