Interviews: Best Practices

By Jaylah Moore-Ross, Production Assistant

July 23, 2020

Interviews are a very important part of the storytelling process. The purpose of an interview is to collect information about a topic or event to then be able to report on it. Here are some tips and tricks on successful interviewing.

1. Prepare For The Interview

Preparation is key for a great interview.

• Research The Topic Your Reporting On and Potential Subject(s) Beforehand: You’ll begin to learn more as the interview and story progress, but it's still necessary to know what you're reporting on before the interview so that you have some understanding of the story and know what questions to ask.  

• Pre-Interview: Scheduling a pre-interview with your story subject(s) is a great way to learn more about them and gain information before the actual interview. This is also an opportunity to get ideas for B-Roll, interview locations, and important elements you’d want to include in your story. This can be an in-person chat, a phone call, or a virtual call.

• Choose A Nice/Quiet Location For The Actual Interview: If the interview is about someone volunteering to cook at their local homeless shelter. The location could be in a quiet spot inside the shelter. Maybe in the kitchen where the subject cooks. Not at a daycare with noisy kids and paint all over the walls.

2. During The Interview - Game Time

It’s important to note that you can’t necessarily control how an interview will go so don’t stress yourself out! As long as you carefully prepare, try your best, and remember to breathe, it will be okay!

• Keep it conversational: Relax and make the interview more of a friendly conversation.

• Warm-Up Questions: This helps get rid of any nerves you or your subject might be having before the interview and lets them know they're in a safe space. Ex: What did you eat for breakfast? How was your commute?

• Ask Subject To Restate Questions: It’s much easier to have your subject answer questions in full sentences for scripting and editing purposes.

• Keep Eye Contact: This lets your subject know your listening.

• Familiarize Yourself With Your Questions: Remind yourself what your questions are by writing them on paper, but refrain from looking down at them too much or reading them word for word. They should be used to guide the conversation, but not restrict it to what you have written down. Allow yourself to still engage in the conversation and let it happen naturally.

• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Opened-ended questions prompt your subject to give detailed answers rather than simple yes or no replies. Ex: How do you think the current racial injustice movement will affect the upcoming election? Do you think that presidential candidates should have to have experience in politics to be elected and, if so, why?

• Questions Should be Relevant To Your Story: Don’t waste time by asking unnecessary questions. And don’t seek out specific answers from your subject(s). Let the interview evolve naturally.

• Follow Up Questions: This allows your subject to expand on their answers and helps you to gather as much information as possible. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification on any confusing responses.

• Don’t Speak Over Your Subject: Remember that your role during an interview is to listen, learn, and collect information so try to stay silent until after your subject finishes speaking (for editing purposes as well).

•  Speak Clearly

• Listen/Take Mental or Physical Notes: So that you're collecting (accurate) information and gathering ideas for B-Roll (if you're planning to film after the interview).

• Have Fun! You're getting the opportunity to learn and connect with a new person.