Reporting in Depth Unit 6 ReviewConducting Effective Interviews

What's the Point?

• Interviews provide firsthand information and unique perspectives on a topic
• Enable reporters to gather facts, opinions, and insights directly from sources
• Allow for in-depth exploration of complex issues and personal experiences
• Help to humanize a story by including real voices and emotions
• Offer opportunities to uncover new angles or unexpected revelations
• Enhance the credibility and authenticity of a report by incorporating direct quotes
• Provide a means to hold those in power accountable by asking tough questions

Key Concepts

• Open-ended questions encourage sources to provide detailed, thoughtful responses
• Active listening involves fully focusing on the interviewee and asking follow-up questions
• Building rapport establishes trust and encourages sources to open up
• Nonverbal cues (body language, tone) can provide additional context and meaning
• Off-the-record information cannot be published or attributed to the source
• Informed consent ensures that sources understand how their information will be used
• Verification of information through multiple sources enhances accuracy and reliability

Types of Interviews

• In-person interviews allow for face-to-face interaction and observation of nonverbal cues
• Phone interviews offer convenience and can be conducted over long distances
• Email interviews provide a written record but lack the depth of live conversations
• Group interviews (panels, focus groups) gather multiple perspectives simultaneously
• On-the-street interviews capture impromptu reactions to breaking news or events
• Adversarial interviews involve questioning hostile or uncooperative sources
• Personality profiles delve into the background and character of an individual

Pre-Interview Prep

• Research the topic thoroughly to develop informed questions and establish credibility
• Identify and prioritize the most relevant and knowledgeable sources
• Contact sources in advance to explain the purpose and scope of the interview
• Prepare a list of open-ended questions that cover the key points of the story
• Anticipate potential follow-up questions based on the source's likely responses
• Choose an appropriate location and time that is comfortable for the interviewee
• Test recording equipment and bring backup materials (pens, paper, batteries)

Interview Techniques

• Begin with an icebreaker or casual conversation to put the source at ease
• Use open body language and maintain eye contact to demonstrate engagement
• Ask one question at a time and allow the source ample time to respond
• Employ active listening by giving verbal and nonverbal cues (nodding, "mm-hmm")
• Rephrase or clarify questions if the source seems confused or hesitant
• Follow up on interesting points or unexpected revelations with probing questions
  • Ask "Why?" or "How?" to encourage the source to elaborate
  • Use phrases like "Tell me more about..." or "Can you give an example?"
• Maintain control of the interview by gently steering the conversation back on track

Asking the Right Questions

• Craft open-ended questions that invite detailed, thoughtful responses
  • Begin with "How," "Why," "What," or "Describe" to elicit more than yes/no answers
  • Avoid leading questions that suggest a desired response
• Use neutral language that does not reveal bias or judgment
• Ask follow-up questions to clarify or expand on important points
• Employ the "funnel technique" by starting with broad questions and narrowing in on specifics
• Challenge inconsistencies or contradictions in a source's statements
• Conclude with a catch-all question ("Is there anything else you'd like to add?")

Recording and Note-Taking

• Obtain permission to record the interview and explain how the recording will be used
• Use a reliable recording device and test it before the interview begins
• Take brief, strategic notes to capture key points, quotes, and observations
  • Develop a personal shorthand system to keep up with the conversation
  • Note nonverbal cues, pauses, or emotional responses that provide context
• Review and expand on notes immediately after the interview while memory is fresh
• Transcribe or summarize recordings to create a comprehensive record of the conversation

Post-Interview Analysis

• Review notes and recordings to identify the most important or compelling information
• Verify facts and quotes with additional research or follow-up questions
• Evaluate the credibility and reliability of the source based on their knowledge and biases
• Compare information from multiple sources to check for consistency or discrepancies
• Consider alternative interpretations or angles that may have emerged during the interview
• Reflect on the interview process and identify areas for improvement in future interviews

Common Pitfalls

• Failing to establish rapport or put the source at ease, leading to guarded responses
• Asking yes/no questions that elicit short, uninformative answers
• Interrupting the source or failing to allow enough time for thoughtful responses
• Neglecting to ask follow-up questions or probe for deeper insights
• Allowing personal biases or preconceptions to influence the line of questioning
• Failing to verify information or relying on a single source without corroboration
• Misquoting or taking information out of context in the final report
• Violating ethical guidelines by revealing off-the-record information or breaking promises of anonymity