Hints for Good Interviewing
Tips to Improve Writers’ and Reporters’ Interviewing Skills
Aug 16, 2008
Interviewing is a vital part of any writer’s skill set. Interviews are a primary source of first-hand information, and multiple interviews may be necessary in order to inform just one story.
Understanding how to conduct an interview, how to ask questions, and how to make your interviewee feel at ease is key for writers who plan to conduct an interview. And the better the interviewer, the better the information that will be gleaned from the discussion.
Ensure Full Disclosure and Obtain Consent
Many novice reporters and writers may fail to mention that they are affiliated with a news organization, particularly in more informal settings. But in adhering to the journalist’s basic code of ethics, a journalist must always identify himself prior to beginning the information collecting process. All statements made prior to disclosure are ineligible for publication or for use as sourcing, in accordance with ethical codes.
In addition, all on-the-record conversations that could potentially be utilized to inform a report or written piece must begin with full disclosure of name, affiliation and the fact that the interview is on-the-record and statements made during the conversation may be published or broadcast. Some individuals may not wish to speak with a reporter or writer and they reserve the right to deny a request for an interview. Failing to mention that one is a reporter or writer is deceptive and poor practice that leaves the individual and the publication or news organization open to litigation.
Also, anytime a person’s voice or image is going to be recorded or photographed, the subject must be notified before the recording commences and they must give explicit consent.
Conduct the Interview Conversationally
A conversational, yet professional tone is ideal when it comes to conducting interviews. It’s a delicate balance, though, between informality and formality. Informal interviewing skills – an interviewer who talks about himself, interrupts the interviewee, or shares their opinion on an issue will convey a lack of professionalism. On the other hand, remaining overly formal and stone cold will trigger nerves on the part of the interviewee. Instead, make the subject feel at ease by keeping the tone light, friendly, yet professional.
Do Not Work from a List of Questions
Working from a set list of questions will harm an interviewer’s credibility with the interviewee in many instances. Asking a question that has, in essence, already been answered alongside another inquiry will make it appear as though the interviewee is not paying attention, and this will make the subject feel unease in many cases. So instead, prepare a list of points to discuss; this list of points should guide the conversation. Resist the urge to write out questions; question lists are typically quite ineffective, particularly since the interviewer doesn’t always know all of the topics and points that will be discussed at an interview. A good interviewer needs to be able to develop questions as the conversation progresses.
Ask Open Ended Questions
Asking open ended questions will not only make for a very short interview with one or two word answers, but this method is also frowned upon since it involves the interviewer essentially putting words in the subject’s mouth. Let the interviewee explain the answers in his/her own way. Suggestive or leading questions are viewed as unprofessional and the interviewer may be mistakenly perceived as manipulative or deceptive.
Avoid asking, “I hear you’re firing 20 employees at the factory. Is this true?” Not only will the interviewer receive a one-word answer since the subject is not asked to elaborate, but a leading question presumes a particular answer. And this presumption may not be entirely accurate. Instead, interviewers should ask an open-ended question that does not presume a particular answer, such as, “Could you describe your personnel situation at the company?”
Practice Note-Taking Skills
A seasoned reporter can accurately transcribe a conversation as it’s spoken. This is ideal when it comes to a reporter or writer’s skills, since audio tapes take additional time to transcribe. Practice note-taking skills by transcribing conversations on the television and rewind to see how accurate the notes really are. Practice will aid a slow note-taker when it comes to improving speed and accuracy.
To remain focused on the interview, only write down the main points of the conversation when taking notes. There’s no need to transcribe an entire interview word-for-word; instead, transcribe only select statements for use as a quotation.
If one’s note-taking skills are still sub-par, consider using a tape recorder as a safety net, but continue to take notes. Many valuable interviews have been lost over the years because a recording was damaged or lost.
Don't Write Down Off-the-Record Information
When information that's off-the-record is included in a reporter's notes, the chance that this information will be accidntally published increases exponentially. And publishing or airing off-the-record facts is a sure-fire way to get a reputation as a deceptive or untrustworthy interviewer. Instead, omit off-the-record information from notes or, strike through an already-written note with a line to indicate that the information is off-limits.
Research The Interviewee
Going into an interview, the interviewer must have some basic knowledge about the individual, organization, company, etc. that is going to be discussed or referenced in the interview. Visiting related websites and reading over related press releases can help inform the interviewer, enabling him or her to ask more hard-hitting, effective questions. If there is no information available in advance, begin the interview by requesting background information, as this will help foster a greater understanding on the interviewer's part.
In sum, a quality interviewer will combine specialized skill with common sense. Interviewers must always remember that first and foremost, they are speaking with another human being and therefore, remaining conversational is key. Interviewers can also practice with family members and friends to better hone their interviewing skills.
Perhaps most importantly, the interviewer must focus on what’s actually being said, lest they fail to ask the necessary questions that are needed to ensure an accurate and interesting article or broadcast. And don’t hesitate to ask the hard questions – that’s what will differentiate a mediocre interview from the incredible interview.
