The Interviewing Process Listening, Observing and Learning

INTERVIEWING - THE GOLDEN RULE: “There's only one interview technique that matters... Do your homework so you can listen to the answers and react to them and ask follow-ups. Do your homework, prepare.” -Jim Lehrer PBS “NewsHour” anchor for 36 years

STEP 1: Before you schedule Research Research the topic you will be discussing Research the person you will be interviewing Be so prepared that you can deviate from the initial topic and not be lost Know the background and related information

STEP 2: Before you meet PREPARE! How will you record the interview? Phone Pencil and paper Video

STEP 2: Before you meet PREPARE FOR WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN Extra batteries or another power source Back up your back-up BRING YOUR RESEARCH WITH YOU If you want them to comment on a document or a photo or another story, bring a copy to show them

STEP 3: Before the questions Arrive a bit early so that you can take control of the room (lighting, acoustics, privacy, etc.) Review your research and your LIST OF PREPARED QUESTIONS Prepare at least seven questions, but be prepared to go off-road with those questions

STEP 3: Before the questions Introduce yourself in a professional manner Hi, I’m _______________________ with ____________________ THANK them for their time Let them know you plan on recording the interview and how you plan on recording the interview

STEP 4: Before the BIG questions Turn on your recording device NOW Have them say and spell their name Have them say their title Military - have them say their rank

Bellringer 9/5/17 Write at least 3 potential questions you could ask in a news interview. Remember to aim for open-ended questions. Briefly describe what kind of answer you might expect to receive for each question – will it give you more information? Cause an issue? Anticipate what your question might bring.

STEP 5: Questioning Two types of questions Closed-ended - these are yes and no questions and are the LEAST desirable type of question Open-ended - usually begin with “How…” or “Describe…”

STEP 5: Questioning Example: Closed-ended: “Were you excited to win?” Open-ended: “Describe what went through your mind when your foot hit home plate and you knew you’d won?

STEP 6: Keep it conversational, but maintain control Listen, actively Your source is a teacher If they say something you don’t understand, ask them a follow-up or ask them to explain it in a different way Even if you are recording, keep a pen and paper handy to write a note to yourself about something you might want to ask later.

A BIG HUGE TIP THAT YOU MUST REMEMBER: SILENCE IS NOT A BAD THING Don’t be afraid to just sit and listen and allow your interviewee to continue talking.

FINALLY: Get a phone number so that you contact the interviewee if you have any additional questions

AFTER THE INTERVIEW: Fact-check the information they gave you Dates, names, times and locations often get muddled in time Call and let them know that they are going to be quoted in the story and when the story will be made public

Practice Interviews Generate a list of 5 questions that you will ask your classmates during our “speed dating” process. Remember that open-ended questions are preferable. Think: -What was your impression of the Rocky Roar before joining the staff? -How do you cope with the stress of tight deadlines? -How often do you use social media? Which sites do you use the most? -How do you ensure accuracy in your work? Etc… 4-5 minutes to interview each person; person closest to the door is the interviewee, person closest to the windows is the interviewer. Everyone should be an interviewer at least twice. SHAKE HANDS WITH EACH OTHER AND INTRODUCE YOURSELVES AT THE BEGINNING, AND THANK THEM FOR THEIR TIME AT THE END!!  Interviewers write down notes about what your interviewee says. Make sure to include who you interviewed. Switch to a new seat/partner when I announce “Switch.”

Mock Interview Reflection On the same piece of paper as your interview notes, answer the following: What went well in your interviews? Discuss in a short paragraph. What might you change if you did it again? Discuss in a short paragraph.

Discussion Questions How does time constraint affect interviewing? What are some difficulties in getting to a source to an interview? How can you overcome such difficulties?