by Bobby Coles

Created on: May 07, 2009   Last Updated: May 09, 2012

The ABC'S of interviewing are the basics, hence the terminology. Interviewing is a process by which a journalist is able to glean certain information necessary for the completion of their story.

When interviewing, there are a plethora of important facets to be cognizant of, and these should be adhered to for the gathering of information.

The interviewing ABC'S are the difference between having an interviewee open up and speak freely and honestly, and having them give simple one word vague answers. Interviewing techniques vary, but the key is to be approachable, honest, have integrity, and gain the confidence of the person immediately. Working in tandem with the person being interviewed is crucial for the success of the interview.

Properly formatted questions will gain the desired answer. You should never use ten words when six will suffice. Your questions should be clear and concise, and your use of language should be appropriate. Many questions are answered improperly because they were misunderstood. Ask a question in a different way if it seems as though your wording has caused a discrepancy.

An effective journalist will be able to size up the person being interviewed and tweak their questions appropriately.

A proper interview should be succinct and meaningful. The person being questioned should be relaxed, and willing to speak about the matter at hand. A good interview is established early on, so your first few questions should be engaging and interesting. Once the person begins to open up with answers, the floodgates will be lifted, and the interview will turn into a rousing success.

Being approachable as the question poser enables an interviewee to relax, trust, and open up in a truthful manner. An interviewer must possess an uncanny ability to be compassionate, and to be able to soften situations of a grave or traumatic nature. Perception, either real or otherwise, is in the eye of the beholder. A journalist must understand the intricacies involved in the proper techniques of interviewing.

The planning stage of an interview holds the secrets to their success. A confident and learned interviewer will always be competitive, and willing to dig as deep as necessary to uncover truth for the betterment of the general public, who have a right to know matters of interest. Being astute in the art of verbal and non-verbal communication is essential to the lifeblood of a journalist.

Often, a person being interviewed is uncomfortable, much akin to the white coat

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