9.1 Preparing for investigative interviews
3 min read•august 9, 2024
Preparing for investigative interviews requires thorough research and strategic planning. Journalists must gather comprehensive background information, profile sources, and set clear objectives. This groundwork ensures a productive conversation and helps uncover crucial details for the story.
Logistics are equally important. Selecting the right location, preparing equipment, and addressing ethical considerations create a conducive environment for the interview. These steps build trust with sources and set the stage for a successful in-depth interview.
Pre-Interview Research
Comprehensive Background Research
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- Gather extensive information about the interview subject and topic
- Consult diverse sources (news articles, public records, academic papers)
- Analyze historical context and current developments related to the subject
- Identify key stakeholders and their relationships to the interviewee
- Review previous interviews or public statements made by the subject
- Investigate any controversies or legal issues associated with the topic
Detailed Source Profiling
- Create a comprehensive profile of the interviewee
- Analyze the subject's professional background and expertise
- Identify potential biases or conflicts of interest
- Assess the interviewee's communication style and preferences
- Research the subject's personal interests and motivations
- Determine the interviewee's level of authority on the topic
Strategic Interview Objectives
- Define clear and specific goals for the interview
- Prioritize key information to be obtained during the conversation
- Identify potential angles or storylines to explore
- Determine the desired outcome of the interview
- Align interview objectives with the overall investigative purpose
- Anticipate possible roadblocks or sensitive areas to navigate
Thorough Question Preparation
- Develop a structured list of
- Craft follow-up questions to probe deeper into important topics
- Include fact-checking questions to verify information
- Prepare questions that address potential contradictions or inconsistencies
- Organize questions in a logical sequence to maintain flow
- Include questions that encourage the interviewee to provide specific examples or anecdotes
Interview Logistics
Strategic Location Selection
- Scout multiple potential interview locations
- Assess the privacy and security of each venue
- Consider the acoustics and lighting for optimal recording quality
- Evaluate the accessibility and convenience for both parties
- Choose a location that puts the interviewee at ease (neutral territory)
- Prepare backup location options in case of unforeseen circumstances
Technical Equipment Preparation
- Select appropriate recording devices (audio recorders, video cameras)
- Test all equipment thoroughly before the interview
- Bring backup batteries and memory cards
- Prepare additional microphones for clear audio capture
- Consider using a laptop for note-taking and fact-checking during the interview
- Arrange for proper lighting equipment if conducting a video interview
Ethical Consent Procedures
- Develop a clear and comprehensive form
- Explain the purpose and potential uses of the interview to the subject
- Outline the interviewee's rights regarding the information shared
- Discuss any potential risks or consequences of participation
- Obtain written consent before beginning the interview
- Provide the interviewee with a copy of the signed consent form
Confidentiality Safeguards
- Draft a detailed agreement if necessary
- Clearly define the terms of confidentiality and any exceptions
- Explain how the information will be protected and stored
- Discuss the circumstances under which information might be disclosed
- Address any concerns the interviewee may have about anonymity
- Establish protocols for secure communication and data transfer
Key Terms to Review (18)
Active Listening: Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the speaker is saying. It goes beyond just hearing words; it requires engagement and empathy to truly grasp the message being conveyed. This approach is essential in various interactions, such as interviews and conversations, where building rapport and extracting valuable information are critical.
Audio recorder: An audio recorder is a device used to capture sound, typically in the form of spoken words, music, or environmental noises. In investigative reporting, audio recorders are essential tools for recording interviews and conversations, allowing journalists to accurately document information without relying solely on notes. This technology not only aids in ensuring the fidelity of the information gathered but also enables reporters to focus on the interaction during interviews rather than being distracted by writing.
Closed-ended questions: Closed-ended questions are inquiries that provide specific options for responses, typically requiring a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer or a selection from predetermined choices. These types of questions are highly useful for gathering concise, straightforward information during an investigative interview, allowing the interviewer to obtain clear and focused responses. They can help in steering the direction of the conversation while limiting the scope of answers, making them effective for clarification and ensuring that the information gathered is precise.
Confidentiality: Confidentiality refers to the ethical and legal obligation to protect private information shared by sources during investigations. It ensures that sensitive details are kept secure, allowing sources to provide information without fear of exposure or retaliation. This principle is vital for building trust, especially when navigating complex relationships with sources, while also adhering to legal frameworks.
Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is the ability to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and form reasoned judgments. It is essential for making informed decisions, solving complex problems, and questioning assumptions, enabling individuals to navigate through misinformation and biases effectively.
De-escalation techniques: De-escalation techniques refer to strategies used to calm down potentially volatile situations and reduce tension or conflict. These techniques are crucial in investigative reporting, as they help reporters manage difficult interactions with subjects, maintain control during interviews, and ultimately lead to more productive conversations. Understanding how to effectively apply these techniques enhances a reporter's ability to gather information while ensuring safety and cooperation.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, creating a connection that fosters trust and open communication. This emotional insight is crucial for building relationships, preparing for interviews, engaging reluctant sources, and practicing active listening. By putting oneself in someone else's shoes, empathy enhances the effectiveness of interactions and encourages a more profound exchange of information.
Field notes: Field notes are detailed records that document observations, conversations, and experiences during an investigative interview or fieldwork. These notes serve as a crucial tool for journalists to capture firsthand information and insights, which can later be analyzed and used in reporting. They are essential for ensuring accuracy, recalling details, and providing context in the storytelling process.
Handling evasive responses: Handling evasive responses refers to the techniques and strategies used by investigators to manage situations where interview subjects provide unclear, indirect, or misleading answers. This involves recognizing when someone is being evasive, adapting questioning methods accordingly, and maintaining the flow of the interview to extract valuable information. Effective handling of such responses is crucial for ensuring that interviews remain productive and informative.
Informed Consent: Informed consent is the process by which individuals voluntarily agree to participate in research or an investigation after being fully informed of its purpose, risks, benefits, and procedures. It emphasizes the importance of transparency and respect for autonomy in the context of ethical decision-making, ensuring that sources understand their involvement and rights before agreeing to participate.
Notepad: A notepad is a physical or digital tool used for jotting down notes, ideas, and observations during investigative interviews. It serves as a reliable companion for interviewers, helping them to keep track of important details, quotes, and insights as the conversation unfolds. This tool is crucial in ensuring that no vital information is overlooked and aids in the later organization and analysis of gathered information.
Off-the-record: Off-the-record refers to a communication that is not intended for publication or public disclosure. This concept is crucial in journalism and investigative reporting, as it allows sources to share sensitive information without the risk of being quoted or identified. Understanding the implications of off-the-record discussions helps reporters navigate the balance between transparency and confidentiality while building trust with sources.
On-the-record: On-the-record refers to a designation in journalism that indicates the information provided by a source can be quoted directly and attributed to them. This designation is crucial for establishing transparency and credibility, as it allows reporters to use the source's statements publicly while holding the source accountable for their claims.
Open-ended questions: Open-ended questions are inquiries that allow respondents to provide their own answers in detail rather than choosing from pre-defined options. These types of questions encourage expansive responses and can lead to richer, more informative interviews, making them essential for gathering nuanced information in various contexts.
Post-interview follow-up: Post-interview follow-up refers to the actions taken after conducting an investigative interview, which are essential for gathering additional information, clarifying details, and strengthening the accuracy of the story. This phase is crucial for maintaining relationships with sources, as it helps to confirm information provided during the interview and allows journalists to seek further insights or clarification. Effective post-interview follow-up can also enhance the credibility of the reporting process and ensure that all relevant aspects of a story are thoroughly explored.
Pre-interview preparation: Pre-interview preparation is the process of gathering information, developing questions, and organizing thoughts before conducting an interview. This crucial step helps to ensure that the interviewer is well-equipped to guide the conversation, establish rapport, and elicit meaningful responses from the interviewee. Thorough preparation allows journalists to anticipate challenges and formulate strategies to address them during the interview.
Rapport building: Rapport building is the process of establishing a positive and trusting relationship with someone, often crucial in investigative interviews to encourage openness and honesty. This connection fosters a comfortable atmosphere, allowing interviewees to feel safe and more willing to share sensitive information. Effective rapport building relies on empathy, active listening, and the ability to relate to the individual being interviewed.
Transcription: Transcription is the process of converting spoken language into written text. In the context of investigative reporting, it plays a crucial role in accurately documenting interviews, ensuring that the nuances of dialogue, tone, and emotion are preserved for analysis and reference.