Interviewing Techniques

Definition

Interviewing techniques refer to the methods and strategies used to effectively gather information from individuals during an interview. These techniques are crucial for both reporters and anchors, as they help elicit accurate, relevant, and compelling responses that can enhance storytelling and audience engagement. Mastering various interviewing techniques allows professionals to navigate different personalities, establish rapport, and uncover deeper insights while maintaining ethical standards.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Establishing rapport is essential for effective interviewing, as it makes the interviewee more comfortable and willing to share information.
2. Different types of interviews—like one-on-one, group, or remote—require different techniques and approaches to ensure successful outcomes.
3. Non-verbal communication plays a significant role in interviews; cues like body language and facial expressions can impact how messages are received.
4. Ethical considerations in interviewing include respecting privacy, avoiding leading questions, and being transparent about how the information will be used.
5. Effective preparation, including researching the interviewee and formulating questions ahead of time, is key to conducting successful interviews.

Review Questions

• How do different interviewing techniques impact the quality of information gathered during an interview?
  • Different interviewing techniques greatly influence the depth and quality of information obtained. For example, using open-ended questions encourages interviewees to provide detailed responses instead of simple answers. Additionally, employing active listening helps the interviewer pick up on subtleties in the responses, which may lead to more insightful follow-up questions. Overall, utilizing a variety of techniques allows for a richer dialogue and better storytelling.
• In what ways do ethical considerations shape the approach to interviewing in journalism?
  • Ethical considerations play a crucial role in shaping interviewing practices in journalism. Reporters and anchors must ensure they respect interviewees' privacy while seeking to gather information. This includes avoiding leading questions that might influence responses and being upfront about how the gathered information will be used. By adhering to ethical standards, journalists build trust with their sources, which can lead to more honest and open communication.
• Evaluate how mastering interviewing techniques can enhance storytelling in television news reporting.
  • Mastering interviewing techniques significantly enhances storytelling in television news by allowing reporters and anchors to capture compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. Effective techniques such as establishing rapport, utilizing open-ended questions, and engaging in active listening can uncover unique insights that add depth to stories. Furthermore, by demonstrating empathy and respect during interviews, journalists create an environment where sources feel valued, resulting in richer content that enhances viewer connection and understanding.

Related terms

Open-Ended Questions: Questions that encourage a full, meaningful answer using the interviewee's own knowledge and feelings rather than just a simple 'yes' or 'no.'

Active Listening: A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the interviewee is saying.

Follow-Up Questions: Questions posed after an initial response to delve deeper into a topic or clarify information provided by the interviewee.