Preparing for research interviews is crucial for successful journalism. It involves thorough background research, setting clear objectives, and creating a comprehensive interviewee profile. This groundwork ensures you're well-informed and ready to ask insightful questions.
Planning the interview is equally important. Develop a detailed interview guide with open-ended questions, prepare follow-ups, and consider logistics. Don't forget ethical considerations like obtaining informed consent and being ready to handle sensitive topics respectfully.
Pre-Interview Preparation
Comprehensive Background Research and Objectives
- Conduct thorough background research on the topic and interviewee
- Gather information from reliable sources (academic journals, reputable news outlets, official websites)
- Identify key issues, controversies, or recent developments related to the subject
- Establish clear research objectives for the interview
- Define specific goals and outcomes you aim to achieve
- Formulate key questions that align with your research purpose
- Create an interviewee profile to understand their background and expertise
- Review their professional history, publications, and notable achievements
- Identify potential areas of expertise or unique insights they can offer
Strategic Interview Setting and Equipment
- Select an appropriate setting for the interview
- Choose a quiet location with minimal distractions (private office, reserved conference room)
- Consider the interviewee's comfort and accessibility when selecting the venue
- Prepare necessary equipment for recording and note-taking
- Test audio recording devices to ensure clear sound quality
- Bring backup batteries or chargers for electronic devices
- Have a notebook and multiple pens for manual note-taking
- Familiarize yourself with the equipment before the interview
- Practice using recording devices to avoid technical difficulties
- Ensure you know how to operate any specialized equipment (video cameras, lapel microphones)
Interview Planning
Developing a Comprehensive Interview Guide
- Create a detailed interview guide to structure the conversation
- Develop open-ended questions that encourage in-depth responses
- Organize questions in a logical sequence, starting with general topics and progressing to more specific inquiries
- Include follow-up questions and potential probes
- Anticipate possible responses and prepare relevant follow-up questions
- Identify areas where you may need to ask for clarification or additional details
- Incorporate flexibility into the guide
- Allow for spontaneous exploration of unexpected but relevant topics
- Prioritize questions to ensure essential information is covered within time constraints
Logistics and Ethical Considerations
- Schedule the interview at a mutually convenient time
- Confirm the date, time, and duration of the interview in advance
- Send a reminder to the interviewee a day before the scheduled meeting
- Obtain informed consent from the interviewee
- Explain the purpose of the interview and how the information will be used
- Discuss confidentiality measures and any potential risks or benefits of participation
- Provide a written consent form for the interviewee to sign
- Prepare for potential ethical issues
- Consider sensitive topics that may arise and plan how to address them respectfully
- Be prepared to pause or terminate the interview if the interviewee becomes uncomfortable