Name: ____________________________

The Art of the Interview

According to acclaimed journalist John Sawatsky, good questions are like clean windows. "A clean window gives a perfect view...When you put values in your questions, it's like putting dirt on the window. It obscures the view.”

#1 Ask neutral, open-ended questions

Open-ended questions start the flow of narrative. As a result, they are more useful to the interviewer who wants to elicit stories.

Give an example of this type of question: _______________________________________

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#2 Start questions with what, how, and why

These questions demand the most from sources, requiring them to describe causes (what happened?), processes (how did it happen?) and motivation (why did you do it?).

Give an example of this type of question: _______________________________________

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#3 Less is More

The more information journalists put into questions, the more information sources leave out. Short questions produce succinct, dramatic, focused responses. Long rambling questions get long rambling answers or curt, confused replies. Strategize. 

Give an example of this type of question: _______________________________________

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#4 Focus follow up questions

To focus questions, pick a key phrase the source mentioned and repeat it in an open-ended question. If, in describing his service, your interviewee says, "We've had difficult times," respond: "What do you mean by difficult times?"

Give an example of this type of question: _______________________________________

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AT INTERVIEW

• The point of an interview is to find out what is interesting about the other person and help them get comfortable talking to you so they'll spill the beans and do it in an interesting, quotable, clear way.

• Regardless of where the interview takes place, it should always begin with small talk - develop a rapport with the subject. And once you begin the official interview, start with the easy questions first to get them talking about themselves. Ask them if it’s OK to tape record them for accuracy. Thank them for their time and tell them the purpose of your interview.

• Come prepared with several questions, but be let a natural conversation develop. A reporter's biggest mistake is either to go into an interview with no questions or to go into an interview with a list of question and not deviate from the list.  Know when to add impromptu questions that will get a subject to continue on a train of thought if it sounds interesting.

• Be conversational but let the source do most of the talking. Never supply or suggest an answer. Be patient and wait for it.

• Good reporting skills equal good observation and listening skills. If you don’t understand something, ask the person to explain. Underline or circle all names, ideas, etc. you’re unsure of so you can double check them.

• Closely observe the things a person does and doesn't do, the way the person acts and reacts. These are all clues to what makes the person tick. Pay attention. Ask questions.

• Take notes even if you’re recording. Batteries die, tapes get misplaced or stolen, things happen. Your notes will provide a backup and save you time. Reviewing and transcribing your entire interview will take forever. Rather, keep notes, review them and figure out which quotes you want to use. Then go back and listen to the tape to make sure you quote them correctly.

AT YOUR INTERVIEW:

1. Test and begin your recording equipment
2. Conduct your interview
3. Take MANY portrait photos of your interviewee (so you may choose the best one)
4. THANK THEM FOR THEIR TIME!