Interviewing 101…
Jeanne Acton, ILPC director
Your assignment …
• Partner with someone (not a friend)
• Ask them four to five questions
• Switch
• Write a brief story about the person —
lead and at least one DIRECT quote
• Write in third person
• Short paragraphs (30-60 words)
• Active voice
Your assignment …
• A few volunteers read their stories
Types of interviews
• news interview
• feature/profile interview
• survey/short interview
Six steps to preparation
• Build up student’s self esteem
• Review basics of interviewing
• Practice
• Prepare
• Do it
• Debrief – What worked? What didn’t?
Before the interview
• Research what you can
• Set up a time/place for interview
• Prepare (write questions)
• Prepare materials (paper, pens, tape
recorder, etc)
Tips for interviewing
• Know the subject and issue
• Start with the easier questions
• Focus on how and why questions
(avoid yes/no questions)
• Don’t be intimidated
• Avoid ―off the record‖ statements
• Have questions prepared
Tips for interviewing
• Don’t be afraid to veer off from your
questions
• Ask open-ended questions. Not ―Why is
the new tardy policy failing?‖ Ask. ―How
is the new tardy policy doing? Figures?‖
• Notice everything. Observe.
• Interview away from friends. NEVER in
a lunch room or hallway.
Tips for interviewing
• Don’t let them see your notes
• Ask tough questions last
• Have a conversation
• Build trust
• Control the interview
• Don’t be afraid to reveal a little about
yourself.
Tips for interviewing
• Don’t be afraid of emotions
• Go to their space, if possible
• Be prepared to interview more than
once
• Interview friends and family when
appropriate
• Dig deep
• End interview with, ―Anything I missed,
anything you want to add?
Notetaking
• Do it.
• Write the important quotes.
• Develop a short-hand if possible.
• Transcribe as quickly as possible.
• Practice, practice, practice.
• Take a tape recorder if possible.
• Verify notes (optional).
What goes wrong with
interviewing?
• Lack of preparation.
• Missing materials.
• Missed the angle.
• Inappropriate dress.
• Not listening.
• Aimlessness.
• Fear.
What goes wrong?
• Bad notes
• Lost control of interview
• Reporter is late/misses interview
• Friends tag along (either side)
• Subject too dry
Students should know…
• Not every interview must go in the story.
• Everyone doesn’t always tell the truth.
FACT check.
• Sometimes people deny saying things
after they see it in print.
• Good interviewing skills take time to
develop.
• Interviewing well is not an easy job.
Review Interviewing
Assignments
Your assignment …
• Partner up with the same person again.
• Take time to write a few questions.
Look for an angle.
• Interview them again.
• Write the beginning of a new story – at
least the lead and two quotes
Possible questions…
• What has had the biggest impact on
your life so far?
• Describe one of the best moments of
your life.
• Why did you decide to teach
journalism?
• Where do you see yourself in 10
years? How will you get there?
Possible questions…
• Describe one of the toughest moments
of your life.
• What do you see as the biggest
obstacle in your life so far?
• Why did you decide to apply for ASNE?
What do you hope to get out of it?
Your assignment …
• Share time.
• What do we like?
• What was better this time?