Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 How to talk to your fellow students to get them talking back!

Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 Interviewing Why is interviewing important? -The number one reason students want to buy a yearbook is because they (or their friends) are in it! -One of the best ways to get as many students in the book as possible is to interview them and find out their unique stories. -Interviewing adds personality to your yearbook. Where to start? -Choose 5-7 students who are not already in the book! -Use your cell phone and check your contact list for students you may not see as much as you used to. -Check Facebook or Twitter for student photos and updates. Who is doing something interesting or participating in something fun?

Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 Interviewing What is interviewing? -Interviewing is just asking people questions and getting them to tell you a story. -Interviewing should be a narrative, with a beginning, middle and end. -Interviewing focuses on a specific event or aspect of a person, not usually their life story! Where to start? -Choose an angle. What story do you want to tell and how? -Formulate your questions. -Take really, really good notes!! You must be accurate and fair.

Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 Interview Questions Prepare questions before you interview. – Always ask open-ended questions, not yes or no questions. – Use superlatives to ask your questions: What was the (best, worst, craziest, etc.) part of (band, football, homecoming week, etc.)? – Follow up with “Why?” Listen carefully to the answers you receive. Look for facts and memories. If you think it’s interesting, chances are somebody else will too!

Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 Preparing for Interviews Before, during & after Personalize questions for each source Conduct interview at a quiet time & place Clearly identify reason for interview: yearbook spread about… Maintain a conversational tone Start with easier questions Ask logical follow-up questions to get more information Listen carefully & take complete notes Thank source for helping you Ask for another interview if needed

Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 Possible Questions 5 Ws & H Who, what, when, where, why, how Objective short answer What was your favorite dress-up day? (followed up with “why”) Multiple choice How long did it take you to get ready? Follow with more details. None I 1-2 hours I 2-4 hours I 4 or more hours Subjective Describe for me your favorite costume.

Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 Possible Questions Plan subjective, open-ended questions to capture personal stories, emotional reactions Why: Why did you invest in the field trips as a local business? How: How do you think this field trip has impacted your classroom experience? Tell me about: Tell me about what impressed you the most about the museum? Describe: Describe your favorite exhibit. Explain: Explain how this changed your perspective of what you learned in class. Tell me more: Tell me more about your day.

Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 Now, you try it! You are working on the summer spread and you want to add some interviews with students to your page. Write down 3-5 questions to ask yearbook staffers about their summers. Remember to include who, what, when, where, why, how questions and specifics. No yes/no questions! Ask your questions to 3 students in this class. Take accurate notes and ask any necessary follow-up questions. Write a short story about what you learned (2-3 paragraphs). Be sure to include accurate quotes and have the other student check your story for accuracy. How can you use the stories you gathered? How will they add to your summer spread? Can you see how talking to other students can increase coverage and interest in the book?

Curriculum ~ Writing Interviewing 101 What’s in it for me? Mastering interviewing will help you forever! Want a new car or house? You can use your skills to find the best broker or sale. Doctor diagnoses you with a condition you’ve never heard of? By interviewing specialists and experts you can find out more about the condition. Want to find a girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse? Good interview skills might help with this! Hope to be a manager or supervisor? Interviewing skills will help you find good people to work for you. Interviewing skills are invaluable!