Interviewing skills

Definition

Interviewing skills refer to the techniques and abilities used by a journalist or reporter to effectively engage with interview subjects, gather information, and convey compelling stories. These skills are crucial for building rapport, asking insightful questions, and creating a comfortable atmosphere that encourages open communication. Mastering interviewing skills is essential for anyone pursuing a career in sports journalism, as it directly impacts the quality of content produced and the relationships formed within the sports community.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Effective interviewing skills help establish trust between the journalist and the subject, leading to more candid responses.
2. Using open-ended questions is crucial in interviews, as they prompt subjects to share detailed insights rather than just surface-level answers.
3. Body language and non-verbal cues play an important role in interviews; being aware of these can enhance communication and connection with subjects.
4. Preparation is key; researching the subject beforehand allows journalists to ask informed questions that lead to richer discussions.
5. Post-interview reflection helps journalists improve their interviewing techniques by analyzing what went well and identifying areas for growth.

Review Questions

• How do effective interviewing skills enhance the relationship between a journalist and their interview subjects?
  • Effective interviewing skills enhance the relationship between a journalist and their interview subjects by establishing trust and rapport. When journalists demonstrate active listening and empathy, interviewees are more likely to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. This openness often leads to richer content that captures the depth of the subject's perspective, ultimately resulting in more compelling stories.
• Discuss the impact of open-ended questions on the quality of information gathered during an interview.
  • Open-ended questions significantly impact the quality of information gathered during an interview because they encourage interviewees to provide detailed responses. Unlike closed questions that elicit short answers, open-ended questions invite individuals to share their thoughts, feelings, and narratives in a more expansive manner. This leads to deeper insights and helps journalists uncover unique angles for their stories.
• Evaluate how mastering interviewing skills can influence a journalist's career trajectory in sports reporting.
  • Mastering interviewing skills can profoundly influence a journalist's career trajectory in sports reporting by enhancing their ability to secure exclusive stories and build valuable connections within the sports community. Journalists who excel in interviews are often sought after for their knack for drawing out compelling narratives from athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders. This not only leads to high-quality content but also establishes a reputation for being trustworthy and insightful, opening doors for career advancement and opportunities in prestigious media outlets.

Related terms

Active Listening: The practice of fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the interviewee is saying during an interview.

Open-ended Questions: Questions that cannot be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no,' encouraging the interviewee to elaborate on their thoughts and experiences.

Follow-up Questions: Questions posed after an initial response that seek to clarify, deepen, or expand upon the information provided by the interviewee.