TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications

Interviewing  Long, formal  Quick phone  Walkaround  On-the-fly chat  Backgrounder Interviews come in all shapes, sizes

GET MOVIN’  Ask politely for interview time. What time works best? Office? Home? Coffee shop?  You’re busy, they’re busy, so don’t put it off. Rush jobs are obvious and stink.  Please and thank you go a long way.

INTERVIEWING BASICS  When you’re interviewing someone, what’s your most important skill?  Listening.  Do your homework before going to an interview.  Try to make it a conversation and not a cross examination.

KEEPING CHASING  “I ed him two weeks ago and he hasn’t me back.”  “I left a message for him and he hasn’t called me back.”  Keep digging/chasing.  It’s amazing how few students think of GOING TO MEET THE PERSON IN PERSON.  It’s allowed and encouraged.

LITTLE THINGS ARE BIG  Show up 10 minutes early.  Make sure you know where you’re going.  Make sure you have a notebook, plenty of WORKING pens.  Should you record it? Yes, but take notes. Check the machine during the interview to see whether it’s working.  Carry extra batteries/SD Cards.

LITTLE BIG THINGS  Dress appropriately; “young professional” and not “college kid with holes in my pants, my butt hanging out and my hat on backward.”  Put your source at ease; get him/her talking by mentioning something on the walls or the weather or ain’t the Cowboys great.

GROUND RULES  Everything is on the record.  Don’t agree to a list of questions.  Don’t let them review the story.  Conduct an accuracy check on needed items.  NO anonymous sources.

WHOM TO INTERVIEW  Highest officials possible.  Experts on an issue.  People with opposing views.  People affected.  Diverse sources.

ONCE YOU GET GOING  Give the source an overview of what you plan to talk about.  Open-ended questions  Listen, listen, listen.  Be prepared to change directions if the source says something that dictates it.  Observe your surroundings/take notes that help give the story flavor.

FIRST THINGS FIRST  First question to ask... “May I have the correct spelling of your first and last names?”  People will like that you’re trying to be accurate.

NOW WE’RE ROLLIN’  Ask the easy questions first to get the source talking.  Open-ended questions are good.  Save the tough stuff for the end.  “Did you embezzle $2 million from the bank?”

SILENCE IS GOLDEN  Don’t be afraid of silence. It can help the source get organized.  Keep questions short; let the source do most of the talking.  Highlight the good stuff. Mark tape number.

FAVORITE QUESTIONS  From Pat Stith, a retired investigative reporter for the Raleigh News and Observer:  Why?  What makes you say that?  How do you know?  How am I going to explain that to people in …?

WRAP IT UP  Two questions to ask at the end of the interview:  “Is there anything else you think we need to discuss?”  “Is there anyone else I should talk to about this story?”  Let the source get the last word.

 In-person interviews Interview pros and cons Disadvantages Wastes time traveling and waiting Distractions can interrupt interview If you are uncomfortable, it becomes obvious Advantages Best way to build rapport Physical surroundings can provide useful data People take you more seriously when you are in front of them

 Setting up the interview  Do your homework.  Think through story.  Determine best way to interview. Tips for successful interviews

 Continue research.  Organize questions.  Prioritize. Tips for successful interviews Rehearse the interview. Arrive on time. Dress appropriately.  Preparing for the interview

 Relax.  Be in charge.  Start with basics.  Budget time.  Begin with softballs.  Focus questions. Keep it simple. Limit “yes/no” questions. Get every question answered. Ask follow-up questions. Stay flexible. During the interview

 Ask people to slow down.  Don’t worry about asking a dumb question.  Look around.  Use reassuring body language. Tips for successful interviews Use silence. Don’t interrupt. Don’t take sides. Use the toughest question last.

Interviewing  Many interviewers, one interviewee  Many interviewers, many interviewees One-on-one is not the only option  One interviewer, many interviewees