Interviewing techniques

Definition

Interviewing techniques are methods and strategies used by journalists to gather information from sources through direct questioning. These techniques involve building rapport with interview subjects, formulating open-ended questions, and actively listening to responses to ensure comprehensive and accurate reporting, especially in the realm of entertainment and cultural contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Effective interviewing techniques are crucial in entertainment reporting as they help journalists uncover unique stories behind celebrities and cultural phenomena.
2. Building trust with interview subjects can lead to more honest and revealing answers, making it essential for interviews in this field.
3. Non-verbal communication cues from both the interviewer and the interviewee play a significant role in the effectiveness of an interview.
4. Preparation is key; knowing background information about the subject can lead to more engaging and insightful questions during the interview.
5. Creating a comfortable environment for the interviewee can help ease tension, resulting in a more fluid conversation.

Review Questions

• How do interviewing techniques influence the quality of information gathered in entertainment reporting?
  • Interviewing techniques significantly influence the quality of information gathered because they dictate how effectively a journalist can engage with their sources. For instance, employing active listening and open-ended questions encourages interviewees to share deeper insights and personal stories. This can lead to richer content that resonates with audiences, making the reporting more engaging and informative.
• In what ways can building rapport with an interview subject enhance the outcomes of cultural reporting?
  • Building rapport with an interview subject enhances cultural reporting by fostering trust and openness, allowing for a more comfortable exchange of ideas. When subjects feel at ease, they are more likely to share authentic experiences and perspectives that reflect their cultural context. This not only enriches the narrative but also helps journalists capture the nuances of cultural phenomena, leading to more impactful storytelling.
• Evaluate how specific interviewing techniques can be adapted for different types of entertainment figures, such as actors versus musicians.
  • Specific interviewing techniques can be tailored to suit different entertainment figures based on their personalities and public personas. For example, actors might respond well to questions about their character development or experiences on set, requiring more probing open-ended questions to elicit detailed responses. In contrast, musicians may appreciate discussions around their creative process or inspirations, where follow-up questions about their lyrics or musical influences can reveal deeper insights. By adapting techniques accordingly, journalists can maximize the depth and quality of the interviews.

Related terms

Active Listening:

A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the interviewee says.

Open-Ended Questions: Questions that cannot be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no,' encouraging more elaborate responses and deeper insights from the interviewee.

Follow-Up Questions: Additional questions posed after an initial answer to clarify or expand on specific points made by the interviewee.