Interviewing

Definition

Interviewing is the process of questioning individuals to gather information, insights, and perspectives for news stories or other journalistic content. It is a fundamental skill in journalism, enabling reporters to capture diverse viewpoints and firsthand accounts that enrich narratives. Effective interviewing involves not just asking questions but also building rapport and actively listening to responses, which can lead to deeper insights and more compelling stories.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Effective interviewing requires preparation, including researching the interviewee and formulating relevant questions in advance.
2. Building rapport with the interviewee can lead to more open and honest responses, enhancing the quality of information gathered.
3. Different types of interviews exist, including structured, semi-structured, and unstructured formats, each suited for various journalistic needs.
4. The ability to adapt questions based on the flow of conversation is crucial for uncovering unexpected insights.
5. Interviews can take place in various settings, such as face-to-face, over the phone, or via video conferencing, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities.

Review Questions

• How does the process of interviewing contribute to a journalist's ability to present balanced stories?
  • Interviewing allows journalists to gather multiple perspectives and voices, which is essential for creating balanced stories. By engaging with different individuals who have diverse viewpoints on an issue, reporters can present a more comprehensive picture of the topic at hand. This practice not only enriches the narrative but also promotes fairness and accuracy in reporting.
• In what ways do open-ended and follow-up questions enhance the quality of information obtained during an interview?
  • Open-ended questions encourage interviewees to elaborate on their thoughts and provide detailed insights, leading to richer content. Follow-up questions further enhance this process by allowing journalists to clarify points or explore interesting avenues that arise during the conversation. Together, these questioning techniques enable reporters to dig deeper into subjects and uncover nuances that might otherwise be missed.
• Evaluate the impact of active listening on the effectiveness of an interview and how it can influence the information shared by the interviewee.
  • Active listening significantly enhances the effectiveness of an interview by fostering a trusting environment where the interviewee feels valued and understood. When journalists demonstrate genuine interest through active listening, they encourage more candid responses and deeper reflections from interviewees. This dynamic can lead to richer narratives as participants are more likely to share personal anecdotes or insights that add depth to the story being told.

Related terms

Open-ended questions:

Questions that encourage detailed responses rather than simple yes or no answers, allowing interviewees to express their thoughts more freely.

Follow-up questions:

Questions that dig deeper into a response given by the interviewee, clarifying or expanding on previous answers to obtain richer information.

Active listening: The practice of fully concentrating on what the interviewee is saying, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully, which helps build trust during the interview.