Interview objectives

Definition

Interview objectives refer to the specific goals or purposes that a journalist aims to achieve when conducting an interview. These objectives guide the structure of the interview, help focus the questions, and ensure that the journalist gathers meaningful information that aligns with the story they are telling. Clear interview objectives can also enhance the interaction between the interviewer and the interviewee, fostering a more productive dialogue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Establishing clear interview objectives before starting an interview helps in developing focused questions that elicit relevant information.
2. Interview objectives can vary depending on the context, such as whether the interview is for a profile piece, investigative report, or human-interest story.
3. Having well-defined objectives can assist in managing the flow of the conversation, making it easier to pivot if unexpected topics arise.
4. Setting interview objectives can also help in building rapport with the interviewee, as it shows respect for their time and insights by having a clear purpose.
5. Reviewing and refining interview objectives after conducting practice interviews can lead to improved performance in future interviews.

Review Questions

• How do clear interview objectives impact the effectiveness of an interview?
  • Clear interview objectives significantly enhance the effectiveness of an interview by providing direction and focus. When a journalist knows what they want to achieve, they can craft targeted questions that lead to more insightful responses. This clarity helps maintain a coherent conversation, allowing for deeper exploration of important themes while making efficient use of time.
• Discuss how setting specific interview objectives can influence the types of questions a journalist asks during an interview.
  • Setting specific interview objectives directly influences the types of questions a journalist asks by determining whether they will use open-ended or closed questions. If the objective is to gather detailed personal stories or experiences, open-ended questions will be prioritized. Conversely, if the goal is to clarify facts or obtain specific data, closed questions may be more appropriate. This strategic approach ensures that each question aligns with the overall goal of the interview.
• Evaluate how adjusting interview objectives mid-conversation can affect the outcome of an interview.
  • Adjusting interview objectives mid-conversation can greatly affect the outcome by allowing for flexibility in response to new information or unexpected topics that arise. If an interviewee reveals something particularly compelling, shifting focus to explore this topic can lead to richer content and deeper insights. However, it's essential to maintain balance; too much deviation from original objectives might result in a loss of direction, potentially leaving key areas unaddressed.

Related terms

Open-ended questions: Questions that encourage detailed responses and deeper conversation, allowing the interviewee to share their thoughts and experiences more freely.

Follow-up questions: Questions that are asked based on the interviewee's previous answers, allowing for clarification or expansion on specific points.

Active listening: The practice of fully concentrating on what the interviewee is saying, which helps in understanding their message and responding appropriately.