10.1 Preparing for interviews
8 min read•august 20, 2024
Preparing for interviews is a crucial skill in television newsrooms. From researching topics to crafting effective questions, journalists must be thorough and meticulous. Understanding different interview types and techniques helps create engaging content that informs and captivates viewers.
Technical and ethical considerations are equally important in the interview process. Proper microphone placement, lighting, and enhance the final product, while adhering to ethical principles maintains credibility and trust with interviewees and audiences alike.
Types of interviews
- Interviews are a fundamental component of television newsrooms, providing valuable insights, information, and perspectives from various sources
- Different types of interviews serve distinct purposes and require specific approaches, depending on factors such as location, format, and content
- Understanding the characteristics and requirements of each interview type is crucial for effective planning, execution, and post-production
In-studio vs on-location
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- In-studio interviews take place within the controlled environment of a television studio
- Allows for better control over lighting, sound, and background
- Suitable for formal, sit-down interviews with high-profile guests or experts
- On-location interviews are conducted outside the studio, at a relevant location or event
- Provides context and authenticity to the story
- Requires more planning and coordination, considering factors such as weather, noise, and crowd control
Live vs recorded
- Live interviews are broadcast in real-time, without editing or post-production
- Creates a sense of immediacy and spontaneity
- Requires thorough preparation and quick thinking to handle unexpected situations
- Recorded interviews are pre-taped and edited before broadcast
- Allows for multiple takes, editing, and refinement of content
- Provides more control over the final product and enables smoother integration into the overall story
One-on-one vs panel
- One-on-one interviews involve a single interviewer and interviewee
- Allows for in-depth exploration of a topic or personal story
- Requires strong rapport-building and skills to maintain focus and flow
- Panel interviews involve multiple interviewees and/or interviewers
- Offers diverse perspectives and encourages discussion and debate
- Requires effective moderation skills to ensure balanced participation and prevent domination by a single panelist
Hard news vs soft news
- Hard news interviews focus on timely, factual, and newsworthy topics (politics, crime, economics)
- Demands direct, probing questions and fact-based responses
- Requires thorough research and preparation to challenge evasive or misleading answers
- Soft news interviews cover human interest, lifestyle, or entertainment stories
- Allows for more conversational and emotionally engaging questions
- Requires sensitivity and empathy to build trust and elicit genuine responses from interviewees
Research and preparation
- Thorough research and preparation are essential for conducting effective interviews, ensuring that questions are relevant, insightful, and contribute to the overall story
- Proper preparation instills confidence in the interviewer, facilitates a more engaging conversation, and increases the likelihood of obtaining valuable information
Researching the topic
- Gather background information on the subject matter, including key facts, statistics, and historical context
- Identify the most relevant and newsworthy aspects of the topic to focus on during the interview
- Consult multiple reliable sources (official documents, expert opinions, previous coverage) to ensure a comprehensive understanding
Researching the interviewee
- Investigate the interviewee's background, expertise, and previous statements or publications related to the topic
- Identify potential biases, conflicts of interest, or controversial positions that may influence their perspective
- Gather personal details (education, career, achievements) to establish rapport and tailor questions accordingly
Crafting effective questions
- Develop that encourage detailed, thoughtful responses rather than simple yes/no answers
- Structure questions to flow logically, building upon previous answers and gradually delving deeper into the topic
- Include a mix of factual, opinion-based, and follow-up questions to elicit diverse and comprehensive responses
Anticipating potential answers
- Consider the interviewee's likely responses based on their background, position, and previous statements
- Prepare for potential evasions, deflections, or controversial answers by developing alternative lines of questioning
- Identify areas where the interviewee may be reluctant to provide information and devise strategies to encourage openness
Preparing follow-up questions
- Develop follow-up questions that probe deeper into the interviewee's initial responses
- Anticipate the need for clarification or elaboration on specific points and prepare corresponding questions
- Be ready to adapt and generate new questions based on unexpected or intriguing answers during the interview
Interview techniques
- Effective interview techniques are crucial for eliciting valuable information, maintaining a comfortable and productive atmosphere, and ensuring that the interview serves its intended purpose
- Mastering these techniques requires practice, adaptability, and a keen understanding of human interaction and communication dynamics
Building rapport with the interviewee
- Establish a friendly and professional demeanor to put the interviewee at ease
- Engage in brief small talk before the interview to create a more relaxed and conversational atmosphere
- Demonstrate genuine interest in the interviewee's experiences and perspectives to foster trust and openness
Active listening skills
- Give the interviewee your undivided attention, avoiding distractions or interruptions
- Use nonverbal cues (nodding, smiling, leaning in) to show engagement and encourage elaboration
- Paraphrase or summarize key points to ensure understanding and demonstrate attentiveness
Maintaining eye contact
- Establish and maintain appropriate eye contact throughout the interview to convey interest and build connection
- Avoid excessive note-taking or focusing on equipment, as this can disrupt the flow of conversation
- Use natural breaks in the interviewee's responses to glance at notes or prepare follow-up questions
Using open-ended questions
- Ask questions that require more than a simple yes/no response to encourage detailed and reflective answers
- Begin questions with "how," "why," or "what" to prompt the interviewee to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences
- Avoid questions that can be answered with a single word or short phrase, as they limit the depth of the conversation
Avoiding leading questions
- Refrain from asking questions that suggest a desired answer or bias the interviewee's response
- Use neutral language and tone to allow the interviewee to express their own opinions and perspectives
- Avoid questions that contain assumptions or presuppose a particular viewpoint
Handling difficult or evasive responses
- Remain calm and professional when faced with challenging or uncooperative interviewees
- Rephrase questions or approach the topic from a different angle to encourage more forthcoming responses
- Use silence strategically to give the interviewee time to reflect and elaborate on their answers
Technical considerations
- Technical aspects of interviews play a crucial role in ensuring the quality, clarity, and professionalism of the final product
- Attention to detail in microphone placement, lighting, camera angles, and sound quality can significantly enhance the viewer's experience and the overall impact of the interview
Microphone placement and usage
- Position microphones to capture clear, crisp audio while minimizing background noise and interference
- Use lavalier microphones for sit-down interviews to ensure consistent audio levels and reduce visual distraction
- Monitor audio levels throughout the interview to avoid clipping, distortion, or inaudible sections
Lighting for interviews
- Ensure adequate and flattering lighting that highlights the interviewee's face and minimizes shadows
- Use a three-point lighting setup (key light, fill light, back light) to create depth and dimension
- Avoid harsh or uneven lighting that can distract from the content of the interview
Camera angles and framing
- Choose camera angles that create a sense of intimacy and connection with the interviewee
- Use medium close-up shots to capture facial expressions and emotions while maintaining context
- Ensure proper framing and headroom to create a visually balanced and professional composition
Background and set design
- Select backgrounds that are relevant to the topic and visually engaging without being distracting
- Use set design elements (furniture, props, color scheme) to create a cohesive and appropriate atmosphere
- Avoid cluttered or visually busy backgrounds that can compete with the interviewee for attention
Sound quality and audio levels
- Monitor and adjust audio levels throughout the interview to ensure consistent and clear sound
- Use high-quality microphones and recording equipment to capture crisp, professional audio
- Minimize background noise and echo by selecting appropriate locations and using sound-absorbing materials
Ethical considerations
- Ethical considerations are paramount in conducting interviews, as they ensure the integrity, fairness, and credibility of the final product
- Journalists must adhere to ethical principles to maintain trust with interviewees and the public, and to uphold the standards of responsible journalism
Informed consent and disclosure
- Obtain from interviewees, clearly explaining the purpose, format, and intended use of the interview
- Disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that may influence the interview or the final story
- Respect the interviewee's right to withdraw consent or refuse to answer specific questions
Respecting interviewee's boundaries
- Be sensitive to the interviewee's emotional state and personal boundaries, especially when discussing traumatic or sensitive topics
- Avoid pressuring interviewees to share information they are uncomfortable with or that may cause harm
- Offer support resources or referrals when appropriate, particularly when dealing with vulnerable individuals
Avoiding bias and leading questions
- Strive for objectivity and fairness in questioning, allowing the interviewee to express their own views and experiences
- Avoid leading questions that suggest a desired response or reflect the interviewer's personal opinions
- Present a balanced perspective by including diverse voices and viewpoints when relevant to the story
Fact-checking and verification
- Verify the accuracy of information provided by interviewees through independent sources and fact-checking
- Clarify any ambiguous or contradictory statements to ensure the integrity of the final product
- Correct any errors or inaccuracies promptly and transparently, both in the interview and in the final story
Protecting vulnerable sources
- Take extra precautions when interviewing minors, victims of crime, or individuals in vulnerable positions
- Obtain parental consent when interviewing minors and consider the potential impact on their well-being
- Use anonymity or pseudonyms when necessary to protect the safety or privacy of vulnerable sources
Post-interview tasks
- Post-interview tasks are essential for transforming raw interview footage into a cohesive, compelling, and accurate final product
- Attention to detail in reviewing, selecting, and editing content ensures that the interview effectively contributes to the overall story and meets journalistic standards
Reviewing and selecting key quotes
- Review the entire interview footage to identify the most relevant, insightful, and impactful quotes
- Select quotes that advance the story, provide unique perspectives, or evoke emotional responses
- Ensure that selected quotes are accurate, contextually appropriate, and fairly represent the interviewee's views
Transcribing the interview
- Create a written transcript of the interview to facilitate easier analysis, fact-checking, and editing
- Use professional transcription software or services to ensure accuracy and efficiency
- Review the transcript for any errors, omissions, or unclear passages, and make necessary corrections
Editing for clarity and concision
- Edit the interview footage to remove unnecessary pauses, filler words, or off-topic segments
- Condense the interview to its most essential and compelling elements, while maintaining context and accuracy
- Use transitions, b-roll footage, or graphics to create a smooth and engaging flow between interview segments
Integrating interviews into stories
- Determine the most effective placement and sequencing of interview segments within the larger story structure
- Use interview quotes to support, challenge, or provide insight into the central themes and arguments of the story
- Ensure that the interview content is seamlessly integrated with other elements (narration, visuals, sound bites) to create a cohesive narrative
Fact-checking and accuracy
- Verify the accuracy of all information presented in the interview, including names, dates, statistics, and claims
- Cross-reference interview content with other reliable sources to ensure consistency and credibility
- Address any discrepancies or errors discovered during the fact-checking process, and make necessary corrections or clarifications in the final product
Key Terms to Review (18)
Active listening: Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully focusing, understanding, and responding to a speaker in a way that shows genuine engagement and comprehension. It requires not just hearing the words, but also interpreting the underlying messages, emotions, and context, which is crucial when conducting interviews or conversations.
Barbara Walters: Barbara Walters was a pioneering American broadcast journalist known for her impactful interviews and contributions to television news. She became a trailblazer in journalism, especially in conducting interviews with public figures and celebrities, using her unique style to elicit insightful responses. Her approach emphasized the importance of preparation, the use of open-ended questions, and the ability to engage with guests on a personal level.
Building rapport: Building rapport refers to the process of establishing a positive and trusting relationship with someone, which is crucial in effective communication. This connection enhances comfort and openness, allowing for deeper conversations and insights. It's especially important in interactions where understanding, empathy, and engagement are needed to gather information and tell compelling stories.
Camera angles: Camera angles refer to the specific positions and perspectives from which a shot is taken in filmmaking and video production. Different camera angles can greatly influence how a scene is perceived, affecting the mood, emphasis, and storytelling of a visual narrative. The use of various angles can establish relationships between characters, convey emotions, and guide the audience's focus.
Closed-ended questions: Closed-ended questions are inquiries that provide respondents with a limited set of answer options, typically requiring a simple 'yes' or 'no' response, or selection from specific choices. These questions are particularly useful in interviews for obtaining clear and concise information, as they can help streamline the conversation and keep it focused on essential topics.
David Frost: David Frost was a prominent British television host and journalist known for his innovative interviewing style, particularly during the 1970s. He gained fame for his interviews with high-profile political figures, most notably Richard Nixon, where he combined an engaging approach with incisive questioning, making him a significant figure in the field of television journalism.
Debriefing: Debriefing is the process of reviewing and discussing an event or experience after it has occurred, primarily to evaluate and analyze performance, gather insights, and improve future outcomes. In the context of interviews, debriefing allows interviewers to reflect on their techniques, the responses received, and the overall effectiveness of the interview process, helping to refine skills and strategies for future interactions.
Developing questions: Developing questions refers to the process of crafting insightful and purposeful inquiries that guide interviews and facilitate the gathering of information. This practice is essential in creating a structured flow during interviews, enabling interviewers to extract meaningful responses from subjects while keeping the conversation engaging and relevant.
Expert interview: An expert interview is a dialogue conducted with an individual who possesses specialized knowledge or expertise in a particular field, aimed at gathering insights and information that can enhance the understanding of a topic. This type of interview allows journalists and producers to tap into the unique perspectives of experts, making the content more credible and informative. Preparing for an expert interview involves thorough research, developing relevant questions, and establishing a rapport to facilitate a productive conversation.
Hostile interviewee: A hostile interviewee is a person being interviewed who displays resistance, aggression, or reluctance to engage with the interviewer, often resulting in tension during the interview process. This type of interviewee may challenge questions, become defensive, or refuse to provide clear answers, making it crucial for interviewers to be prepared and employ specific techniques to manage the situation effectively.
Informed consent: Informed consent is the process of obtaining permission from individuals before engaging them in interviews or using their images or voices, ensuring they fully understand what participation involves. This concept is crucial in media and journalism to protect the rights of individuals while promoting ethical practices in storytelling and information gathering.
Journalistic integrity: Journalistic integrity refers to the commitment of journalists to report news truthfully, fairly, and ethically. It encompasses the responsibility to uphold high standards of accuracy, transparency, and accountability while serving the public interest, ensuring that the news is reliable and free from bias.
Man-on-the-street: A man-on-the-street interview is a type of informal interview where a reporter asks random people questions about a particular topic or event. This approach provides a snapshot of public opinion and adds a relatable, grassroots perspective to news stories. Man-on-the-street segments can enhance storytelling by showcasing diverse viewpoints and humanizing complex issues.
Microphone techniques: Microphone techniques refer to the various methods and practices used to position, use, and operate microphones effectively in different settings, particularly during interviews. These techniques help to ensure clear audio capture, reduce unwanted noise, and enhance the overall sound quality of recordings. Proper microphone techniques are essential for creating engaging and professional audio content, which is critical during interviews.
Open-ended questions: Open-ended questions are inquiries that allow for a wide range of responses, encouraging interviewees to share their thoughts, feelings, and opinions in their own words. This type of questioning is essential for drawing out detailed information and insights during interviews, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter. They contrast with closed-ended questions, which typically require a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer and limit the scope of the conversation.
Researching the subject: Researching the subject refers to the process of gathering information and understanding the background of a topic or individual prior to conducting an interview. This preparation is crucial as it helps in formulating relevant questions, creating a comfortable atmosphere, and ensuring that the interviewer can engage more effectively with the interviewee.
Reviewing footage: Reviewing footage is the process of watching recorded video material to assess its quality, content, and suitability for a news story or segment. This step is crucial as it allows journalists and editors to identify key moments, gather soundbites, and determine which clips effectively convey the narrative they wish to present. By thoroughly analyzing the footage, teams can make informed decisions about how to craft their story and ensure that it resonates with the audience.
Time constraints: Time constraints refer to the limitations on the amount of time available to complete a task, make decisions, or deliver content. In the fast-paced world of news media, these constraints can significantly impact how stories are covered, interviews are prepared for, and content is produced. They require professionals to work efficiently under pressure, balancing quality journalism with the need for timely reporting.