1. The Interviewing Process
Listening, Observing and Learning

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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…”

11. 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?

12. 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.

13. 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.

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

15. 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

16. 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.”

17. 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.

18. 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?