1. + Interviewing How to make or break your story

2. + Do your research Research the subject – find out as much background as you can Gather a list of sources both primary and secondary Think about options – do you need to take a photographer with you? Start formulating questions – have at least 10

3. + Formulating the questions Begin with questions the source can answer quickly Name – ask them to spell it out even if it is John Doe How long have you been doing… How did you get involved… Stay away from questions that yield one word answers Questions that begin with Do, Will, Are, Can, will result in one word answers Formulate questions this way Tell me about… How would you… If you could…what would you do (say)…

4. + Questions Ask meaningful questions that will result in a story being told If the source is not giving a good answer, push them a bit by asking “how and why”, “can you expand on that thought?”, “tell me more about that”

5. + The interview Schedule in advance and give yourself enough time Get comfortable. Talk casually. You are having a conversation! Listen! Be non-judgemental and don’t insert your opinion if they give you an answer you don’t agree with. You are relaying a story, not creating a story Interview with your eyes. You come with a list of questions, but the surroundings also tell a story. What is around the source defines the source. Watch mannerisms, clothing choices, tidyness of the room

6. + The interview Don’t be afraid to ask the person to clarify a statement. Repeat what you thought they said When concluding the interview, review your notes quickly and ask any clarifying questions. Ask, is there anything you would like to add that I may not have covered? Be on time and end on time Don’t believe everything a source tells you. Check for accuracy with other sources.

7. + The Interview Ask if you can contact them if you have more questions and ask if email or phone is acceptable Email interviews are good in a pinch, but you will lose the flavor of the person if you rely on this too much. Don’t promise a source they can review the story before it goes to print. Get both sides to the story If you are going to record the interview, you must ask permission Make sure your equipment works. Test it first

8. + Reasons why an interview fails No appointment Dressed inappropriately Questions were superficial and weak You did not bring a writing utensils You did not ask follow up questions You went to the interview with preconceived notions You didn’t truly listen You were not friendly You talked too much You used too much informal language/slang

9. + Homework Choose a person to interview. You will be doing a personality profile Email a list of 10 questions to me before Tuesday’s class Page 101 in The Radical Write Read chapter 8