🎙️Art of the Interview Unit 6 – Journalistic Interview Techniques

Key Concepts in Journalistic Interviewing

• Journalistic interviewing involves gathering information from sources to report on events, issues, or people
• Requires strong communication skills to effectively elicit information and insights from interviewees
• Interviewer must maintain objectivity and avoid bias in questioning and reporting
• Preparation is crucial, including researching the topic and the interviewee beforehand
• Active listening allows the interviewer to pick up on key points and ask relevant follow-up questions
• Building rapport with the interviewee can lead to more open and honest responses
• Ethical considerations include obtaining informed consent, protecting sources, and avoiding misrepresentation

Types of Interviews and Their Purposes

• News interviews aim to gather information on current events or breaking news stories
  • Often conducted under time constraints and may require quick thinking and adaptability
• Profile interviews focus on exploring the life, work, or experiences of an individual
  • Require in-depth research and a more conversational approach to uncover personal insights
• Investigative interviews seek to uncover hidden information or wrongdoing
  • May involve confrontational questioning and require persistence and attention to detail
• Expert interviews aim to gather specialized knowledge or analysis on a particular topic
  • Interviewer must have a solid understanding of the subject matter to ask informed questions
• Human interest interviews focus on emotional or inspiring stories of individuals or communities
• Opinion interviews seek to explore the views and perspectives of individuals on specific issues

Pre-Interview Preparation

• Research the topic thoroughly to develop a deep understanding of the subject matter
  • Consult a variety of reliable sources (news articles, academic papers, previous interviews)
  • Identify key facts, figures, and background information to inform questioning
• Learn about the interviewee's background, expertise, and relevant experiences
  • Review their previous interviews, publications, or public statements
  • Identify potential areas of interest or controversy to explore during the interview
• Develop a list of open-ended questions that encourage detailed and thoughtful responses
  • Organize questions in a logical sequence, starting with broad topics and narrowing down to specifics
  • Anticipate potential follow-up questions based on possible responses
• Arrange logistics, such as setting a convenient time and location for the interview
• Test recording equipment and ensure familiarity with its operation to avoid technical issues

Crafting Effective Questions

• Use open-ended questions that encourage detailed and reflective responses
  • Avoid yes/no questions or those that can be answered with brief, factual statements
  • Examples: "How did you feel when...?" or "Can you describe your experience with...?"
• Structure questions to elicit specific examples or anecdotes that illustrate key points
  • "Tell me about a time when..." or "Can you give me an example of...?"
• Avoid leading questions that suggest a particular answer or bias the response
  • Instead of "Don't you think...?" ask "What is your perspective on...?"
• Use follow-up questions to clarify or expand on interesting points raised by the interviewee
  • "Can you elaborate on that?" or "Why do you think that is?"
• Prepare a mix of factual and opinion-based questions to gather a well-rounded understanding
• Adapt questioning based on the interviewee's responses and the natural flow of the conversation

Active Listening and Follow-up Techniques

• Give the interviewee your full attention, maintaining eye contact and minimizing distractions
• Allow the interviewee to finish their thoughts without interruption
  • Use nonverbal cues (nodding, smiling) to encourage them to continue
• Take brief notes on key points or interesting responses to refer back to later
• Paraphrase or summarize the interviewee's responses to ensure understanding and clarity
  • "If I understand correctly, you're saying that..."
• Ask follow-up questions to probe deeper into interesting or unexpected responses
  • "That's fascinating. Can you tell me more about...?"
• Use silence strategically to encourage the interviewee to expand on their answers
• Listen for inconsistencies or contradictions in responses and gently probe for clarification

Building Rapport with Interviewees

• Begin with casual conversation or small talk to put the interviewee at ease
  • Discuss shared interests, experiences, or current events unrelated to the interview topic
• Express genuine interest in the interviewee's experiences and perspectives
  • Use body language and facial expressions to convey engagement and empathy
• Establish common ground by highlighting shared values, goals, or challenges
• Use the interviewee's name frequently to create a sense of personal connection
• Show respect for the interviewee's time and expertise, thanking them for their participation
• Maintain a professional and impartial demeanor, avoiding excessive familiarity or agreement
• Follow up after the interview with a thank-you note or email to maintain the relationship

Handling Challenging Interview Situations

• If an interviewee becomes defensive or hostile, remain calm and respectful
  • Acknowledge their concerns and reframe the question in a neutral, non-confrontational way
• If an interviewee goes off-topic or provides irrelevant information, gently redirect the conversation
  • "That's an interesting point, but I'd like to focus on..."
• If an interviewee refuses to answer a question, respect their boundaries and move on
  • Consider rephrasing the question or approaching the topic from a different angle later
• If an interviewee provides inconsistent or contradictory information, seek clarification
  • "Earlier you mentioned... but now you're saying... Can you help me understand the discrepancy?"
• If an interview is emotionally charged, show empathy and allow the interviewee to express their feelings
  • Offer breaks or the option to pause the interview if needed
• If technical difficulties arise, remain patient and professional while working to resolve the issue

Ethical Considerations in Journalistic Interviews

• Obtain informed consent from interviewees, clearly explaining the purpose and intended use of the interview
• Respect the interviewee's right to privacy and confidentiality, if requested
  • Clarify any conditions or limitations on the use of the information provided
• Avoid misrepresenting or sensationalizing the interviewee's words or experiences
  • Strive for accuracy and context in reporting, even if it contradicts the desired narrative
• Protect vulnerable sources, such as whistleblowers or victims of trauma
  • Take precautions to ensure their safety and anonymity, if necessary
• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that may affect the interview or reporting
• Avoid offering incentives or rewards in exchange for information, which can compromise the integrity of the interview
• Respect the interviewee's intellectual property rights, obtaining permission to use any copyrighted material
• Adhere to journalistic codes of ethics and professional standards, prioritizing truth, accuracy, and fairness