1. 1 Interviewing Media Writing I

2. 2 Interviewing Key to success for a good communications professional. Two main parts –Asking good questions –LISTENING!!!!

3. 3 Interviewing Steps in the process –Identifying the story topic and angle –Identifying the source(s) –Background Research Don’t interview people for facts, interview for reactions

4. 4 Information Search How much time do I have to track down information? What do I need to know? How will I use this information? Who is the audience for this information?

5. 5 Interviewing Story types and interviewing –News story Subject focused People are secondary –Profile People focused Other topics are secondary –Investigative story Need to know both

6. 6 Interviewing News stories –Time is usually short –Clips, other writers are good background sources –Rapport with regular sources for your beat will serve you well

7. 7 Interviewing Profiles –Good profiles are difficult to write –Background information Basics, age, education, etc. Know their works Know their subjects Know their hobbies, if possible Dress to match Interview friends, family, etc. “Shadow” them, if possible

8. 8 Interviewing Investigative stories –Adversarial relationship? –Know the answers to the questions you ask –Start with people on the fringes and work your way in to the main source –Get as much evidence as possible ahead of time

9. 9 Interviewing Phrasing questions –The way you ask a question Signals the response you expect Can reveal your own point of view on the issue May block a response –“Are you still dumping chemicals into the river” Ask them questions they can answer

10. 10 Types of Interviews Informational Interview Situational Interview Confrontational Interview Personal Interview Professional Interview

11. 11 Interviewing Open-ended questions –Questions that require more than a “yes” or “no” answer –Work from general to specific –These questions are less direct and less threatening

12. 12 Interviewing Closed-ended questions –Asking a specific question to get a specific answer –Plan when to ask these questions and who you are going to ask –Keep asking until your source gives you an adequate response or tells you where to find the information

13. 13 Interviewing Rapport –The relationship between the reporter and the source –Critical to the success of the interview –Look for commonalities with your subject

14. 14 Interviewing nuts and bolts Establishing a rapport –Look around the office Photos of family Pets Sporting “trophies” –Weather

15. 15 Interviewing nuts and bolts Setting up the interview –Work with the subject, but suggest a time –Estimate how long you will need Be prepared if it goes longer –Set the place Interviewee’s office? (puts them at ease) Neutral territory –Be cautious of noise –Privacy issues? –Possible return for more information –Call/ e-mail back to check accuracy

16. 16 Interviewing nuts and bolts What to bring –What about a tape recorder? Don’t count on it working –Notebook choices –Writing instruments What not to bring –Cell phone –Pager –Chewing Gum

17. 17 Interviewing nuts and bolts List of questions –Write out the main questions you want to ask –DO NOT write them on your notebook with space after each one –Maybe just a list of main points

18. 18 Interviewing nuts and bolts Start with the easy questions –Good time to confirm name spelling (don’t ask this if there is a sign on his or her desk) –Title these can change from published material, unless the promotion is why you’re there –Other basic info if you have questions

19. 19 Interviewing nuts and bolts Ask the general questions first LISTEN to their answers –They will frequently answer more than one of your questions at a time. If their answers lead you to a better story, just keep writing and follow that vein

20. 20 Interviewing nuts and bolts Empathy is important Silence is helpful Non-verbal cues Body language Look them in the eye

21. 21 Interviewing and accuracy No one wants to be misquoted No good reporter wants to misquote a source Arrange for a possible call back to check accuracy of quotes, fill in any blanks –Call back even if you really don’t need to –Send an email or note thanking source for their time

22. 22 Interviewing Conclusion –Anything that I haven’t ask that I should have? –Anything else you’d like to add? –Give them your contact information (telephone is probably best) Review your notes (flip through) Put the pen away. Open your ears Tell them when the story may appear Offer to send additional copies