It's Always Worth Brushing Up on Your Interviewing Skills
Journalistic interviews encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from casual conversations to intense interrogations. Regardless of the style, the primary purpose remains consistent—mining information and extracting compelling quotes. Interviews are the lifeblood of journalism, adding depth, credibility, and diverse perspectives to news stories. Whether delving into soft or hard journalism, journalists aim to craft articles that resonate with readers, emphasizing key points, representing opinions, and providing essential facts.
Interviewing is a skill that evolves over time, requiring years of practice and continuous refinement. Beyond technique, your personal style significantly influences the effectiveness of an interview. Are you perceived as pushy and standoffish or as an empathetic listener? These vibes impact the success of your interactions, as people naturally pick up on such nuances.
While perfecting the art of interviewing is a continuous journey, certain fundamental steps can ensure you not only gather the necessary quotes but also come to enjoy the process, even during the dreaded phone interview. Here are some tips to set you on the path to becoming a more adept interviewer.
Have a Goal
Be clear about the nature of your story and the type of interview it requires (e.g., in-person, phone, Zoom, on-camera, doorstep, or email questions). Prepare well, choosing an appropriate location for in-person interviews and ensuring a quiet environment for phone interviews. Organize everything in advance, allowing you to focus on making the interviewee comfortable, encouraging open conversation and responses.
Have Questions Ready
Prepare a list of questions in advance, starting with easy, introductory questions to build rapport. Maintain control of the interview, steering the conversation even when faced with attempts to control it from the interviewee's side.
Always Do Your Research
Conduct thorough research on the interviewee, understanding their background and relevance to your topic. Tailor your questions based on your research, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to the overall piece.
Don’t Make It About You
Keep small talk to a minimum and refrain from discussing your personal life extensively. Allow the interviewee to tell their story without interruption, showcasing good journalistic etiquette.
Be Approachable
Be approachable, down-to-earth, and attentive, creating an atmosphere where the interviewee forgets the formal journalist setting. Employ sincerity, humility, and compassion, especially when dealing with sensitive or controversial topics.
Open-Ended Questions Are Your Friend
Formulate questions that encourage detailed responses rather than yes/no answers. Be ready to rephrase questions to elicit more comprehensive answers, ensuring a wealth of material to work with.
Good Timing is Everything
Allow pauses and moments of silence, as interviewees may be on the verge of revealing profound insights. Ask follow-up questions when necessary, but always return to your list to cover essential points.
Record It
Record interviews using reliable apps or devices to guarantee accuracy and capture verbatim quotes. Inform the interviewee about the recording to ensure transparency.
Always Say Thank You
Conclude interviews by asking if there's anything else the interviewee would like to add. Confirm basic information and express gratitude for their time and contribution.
