1. How to Conduct an Interview Adapted from Scholastic Kids Press Corps

2. Interviewing Like a Pro 0 One of the hardest skills for a young reporter to master is interviewing. It takes preparation and persistence to conduct a good interview. 0 Too many students want to “wing it” or think of questions as they go. This NEVER works out well. 0 Research & preparation are the keys to a good interview. 0 Simply follow the steps outlined in this PowerPoint to interview like a pro!

3. Step 1 Research 0 Research, Research, Research! 0 Then research some more. 0 The only way to come up with good questions is to know everything there is to know about your subject.

4. Step 2 Get Permission & be Polite 0 Contact the person you wish to interview 0 Always be POLITE! Say “please” and “thank you”. 0 Ask the person if they would be willing to be interviewed. If they agree, then set a time for the interview. 0 Give them the topic or topics of the interview.

5. Step 3 Write Questions 0 Read over your research and brainstorm questions. 0 The more specific your questions are, the better! 0 Never ask questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no. Make the interviewee talk! 0 Practice asking questions before you go to the interview. 0 Don’t ask repetitive questions.

6. Step 4 Prepare for Interview 0 Always be prepared for the interview. 0 Practice Questions 0 For newsletter: 0 Pencil 0 List of good questions 0 Camera 0 For newscast: 0 Camera 0 Tripod 0 List of good questions

7. Step 5 Be on Time 0 Be on time! 0 Always be a few minutes early if possible. 0 Practice your questions while you wait.

8. Step 6 Conduct Interview 0 Conduct you interview in an organized, timely manner. 0 During the interview: 0 Be courteous/polite to your subject 0 The interview should be Ask for an explanation of things you don’t understand 0 Try to avoid uncomfortable silences or pauses 0 Look the person in the eye when asking questions 0 Don’t ask a question that has already been answered

9. Step 6 Continued… 0 Don’t read through the questions one right after another like you can’t wait to be finished. Once again, conduct your interview like a conversation. One question should lead naturally into another. 0 Act like you are listening and care about what the interviewee is saying, even if you don’t.

10. Step 7 Wrap up the Interview 0 Always wrap up the interview. Don’t just let it end with an awkward silence or staring at the camera 0 Always thank the person for talking to you!