Effective Interviewing Techniques for News Gathering
Learn about different types of interviews, the importance of thorough planning and research, and essential tips for conducting successful interviews in journalism. Discover how to choose the right interview approach for your next story assignment, prepare effective questions, and follow up with sources. Enhance your reporting and interviewing skills with valuable insights and strategies.
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Presentation Transcript
Reporting and Interviewing Review News Gathering
Types of interviews In person Telephone (two-way voice call) Email Skype, FaceTime, Hangout Text message Other social media
Types of interviews Another way to look at interview types. One-Question Interview In the hall, office or classroom, by phone or email or by social media, primarily for reaction or commentary Formal Interview A longer, detailed interview Must be in person after research and preparation Q-and-A A more structured interview Also requires research and preparation Might be conducted by email, but better in person
Discussion Question 1 In groups of three or four, answer and discuss the following question: What type of interviewing will you use with your next story assignment? Why did you make this choice? Each person should write their own answer. Choose a spokesperson to report.
Planning the interview What do I need to know before conducting the interview? Who will I interview? Why did I choose these sources? What will I ask? When and where will I conduct the interview? How will I conduct the interview? What plans do I have for follow-up?
What to know prior ... Research the topic. Look for statistics, background information and facts related to the topic. Build questions and determine your angle. Research your sources. What is their expertise? What might they know and be able to add?
What to know prior ... An example: You are assigned to cover a club or organization. What do you need to know before going into the interview? Where can you find information about the club? Who will you interview?
What to know prior ... For topical stories and those that require in-depth investigation, consider: public records online databases journalistic databases broader Internet searches See handout: Resources for Journalistic Research
Discussion Question #2 In your group, discuss the following: What type of research will you need to do before conducting interviews? Where can you find the information and background you need? How extensive should your research be? Each person in the group should write their answer. Choose a spokesperson to report for the group.
Who are the best sources? It is tempting to interview only people you know. Friends, family members and teachers provide comfort. BUT THEY ARE NOT THE ONLY OR BEST SOURCES FOR EVERY STORY! Break out of your comfort zone and find the best sources for a story. Take the plunge!
Who are the best sources? What is your story is about? Do your research before selecting your sources. Find sources who have expertise on the topic. Interview sources who offer varying perspectives or points of view. Find sources to provide first-hand accounts of events.
Who are the best sources? When choosing sources for a story, consider: Balance, varying perspectives, opposing viewpoints, expertise Age, gender, race and ethnicity Choose the sources who best serve the story, not the sources who are easiest to reach and most comfortable to talk to.
Who are the best sources? Consider the various constituents or stakeholders: coach, team captain, prominent player administrator, teacher, student Democrat, Republican, undecided sponsor, club leader, new member parent, student, counselor college coach, H.S. coach, player
The reporting process First, do your research. Set up interviews with sources that matter. Vary the selection of your sources. Plan your questions for each source. Listen carefully during the interview and ask follow-up questions to be sure you understand everything they say. Be conversational, be in control, and be ready to follow up. Check back for facts and quotes.
Discussion Question #3 In your group, discuss the following: Who will be, or should be, the sources for my next story? Each person in the group should write an answer. Choose a spokesperson to report.
When will I interview? This can be a tricky part of the planning process. Usually interviews are conducted outside of class. Only occasionally can you conduct interviews during class. Schedule an appointment. Do not assume that the source will be available unless you plan ahead.
Where will I interview? Go into the environment of the source. Look around you and incorporate your observations in your notes. Ask about things you notice. Observe the expressions and body language, too. What do you hear or smell? Use all of your senses.
If you need to record the interview Make sure that the location allows for comfort and sound quality (especially if you are recording for broadcast, podcast or audio postcard). Choose a spot that will be free of distractions or interruptions.
Discussion Question #4 In your group, discuss the following: When and where will I conduct the interviews for my next story? Each person in the group must answer. Choose a spokesperson to report.
How will I interview? Consider where you will publish the story. Is it for yearbook, print newspaper, website or broadcast? Podcast or video postcard? What equipment do you need? Will you conduct a full-length interview? Will you do a series of phone interviews?
How will I interview? Sources should know in advance: If you plan to record the interview. The angle or nature of the story. They do not need know the questions in advance.
Remember these points: Be polite, but be in control of the interview. Be objective, and ask questions that you need answers to even if they are tough questions. Most importantly, listen to your source, and rephrase answers to ensure accuracy.
How will I interview? Use prepared questions, but ask follow-ups. Be conversational; begin with easier questions to get the interview going. Make sure the source is the important person in the interview. (Avoid talking about yourself.)
Do not forget to ask: What is your first and last name, your title, and could you please spell that? (first question) Is there anything else you would like readers to know? (last question)
Final notes Check your facts. Check any information gained from the sources. Accuracy matters. Transcribe your interview as soon as possible. Strive to make your quotes copy-ready. Let your sources know that you might need to get back with them for additional information and fact- checking.
Discussion report The spokesperson for each group should recap the stories, research plans, source list and interview plans for one or two members of the group. EXIT TICKET: Turn in your answers to the discussion questions.
