Interviews

Notes from November 23.

• The most important tool of a journalism
• Use to obtain new info, expand on existing info, clarify facts, explore diff. perspectives
• Expands upon the basic “who, what, where, how, when and why” of newsgathering

What makes a good interview?

• Ppl w power and influence
• Has clear expectations from the interviewee
• Has a clear angle and Focus
• Is well researched and well prepared
• Develops logically
• Keeps the audience involved
• Is unbiased and is conducted impartially and sensitively
• Is under the control of the interviewer
• Appears spontaneous, energetic

Preparation

• Decide your angle and focus
• Get background info on your subject
• What is the interviewee´s role? (witness, knowledge, opinion, defends position, apologies…)

Getting there

• Make sure equipment is working
• Arrive on time
• Sometimes don’t mention word interview
• Get down the correct spelling of names, job titles
• Be open-minded and impartial

Before and on arrival

• Prepare questions, have notes, memorize it
• Check your gear and dress appropriately
• Double check the directions and leave early
• Politely take control (avoid kitchens, ask to turn off TVs, radios…, rearrange furniture)
• Make idle chitchat while assembling gear and wear headphones
• Slate (date, location, subject, interviewee)
• Repeat what it’s all about
• Set recording levels (what did you have for breakfast?)
• Ask your interviewee to introduce him, her
• Get down the correct spelling of interviewee´s name, job title
• Ask first Q

The interview

• Ask brief, simple Qs – one at a time
• Ask the most important Q first
• Listen and follow up
• Be specific – ask for examples
• Ask for explanations
• Pause
• Do not judge
• Avoid an annoyed or aggressive tone of voice
• If you do not understand, ask

Qs

• Ask open-ended Qs – don’t ask yes/no qs
• Do not load Qs w your personal opinion
• Don’t limit answers (use: best, worst, most, least…)
• Follow-up Qs
• Ask for goals/obstacles/solutions
• Ask how it started
• “Is there anything else I should know/You want to tell me about?”

Difficult Qs

• Ask politely
• Expect an answer
• Insist if you don’t get an answer
• Watch body language
• Present opposite points of view wo identifying w them
• Keep your calm

Fairness

• The interviewee is entitled to know
  • Who will be doing int
  • Which programme it is for
  • Whether it´s live or recorded
  • Whether they will be in discussion w another guests, if so, who
  • The broad subject area – if you´re planning to make a specific allegation, they are entitled to know the precise allegation in words you plan to use it
• Unless there is an overriding reason, always refuse to
  • Provide Qs in advance
  • Fix a precise duration
  • Fix durations or the proportions of the interview for subject areas
  • Avoid certain subjects
  • Give the guest the right to withdraw or edit the interview after recording, or editorial control