Conducting interviews is the primary tool used by journalists to access detailed information from news sources. Good interviews are more than just question and answer sessions. They are well planned, well researched information gathering sessions designed to collect essential facts about news related topics or individuals.
All journalists ask questions, but not every journalist is a great interviewer. There is an art to interviewing, and not every journalist masters it. Great interviewers possess the ability to combine a natural curiosity, with an innate ability to dig deeper without alienating the person being interviewed. Every reporter develops a style of interviewing that fits most comfortably with their personality, but it's important to understand the basics of interviewing in order to conduct an effective one.
Always Be Curious
The ABC's of conducting a great interview are to Always Be Curious. Though it's always best to have questions prepared, many of the best interviewers develop the ability to come up with new additional questions from the answers of the interviewee. This is because they develop a sincere interest in the topic through detailed research and preparation prior to the interview.
Curiosity allows a journalist to preview a story as if it were the finished product, and ask the questions that a reader would. Journalistic training enables them to see the story from several angles, and choose the direction that presents the topic in a manner that best satisfies all curiosity. The goal is to hopefully leave no question potential unanswered.
Types of Interviews
Before conducting an interview, a journalist must determine what type of interview would best represent to topic. There are many interview types that should be considered, and the type used will best be determined by the information and events being covered.
- Spot Interview: Spot interviews are usually held in reaction to breaking news. The objective is to gather "on the spot" information from experts or witnesses to a newsworthy event.
- Newsgathering Interview: The Knight Citizen News Network (KCNN) defines the newsgathering interview as one "to collect facts or history about a subject, either for a story or in preparation for another interview."
- Human Interest Interview: These interviews are conducted in preparation for a feature story or event. This type of interview is designed to gather supporting information for human interest stories aimed at targeted audiences.
- Experts Interview: KCNN suggests this interview "to add the expertise of a knowledgeable source to your story." These interviews are excellent for facts, figures, and quotes.
- In-depth interview: This interview is designed to gain in-depth and detailed information about a newsworthy subject or individual. This type of interview goes beyond "surface" information to uncover previously unreported details.
Research and Preparation
Conducting a good interview always begins with preparation. Preparing for the interview includes doing as much research about the person and subject matter that time allows. Gathering background information, information about cultural or historical relevance, information about associated people and events, and even trivia is essential to preparing for a great interview.
Preparation also includes making sure that all journalistic tools are available, and in good working condition. Pens, pencils, note pads, recorders, camera equipment, and batteries should all be checked beforehand to ensure availability and workability. Going to an interview unprepared is a good sign that the interviewer is unprofessional, and even worse, doesn't take the interview seriously.
Request an Interview
Unless the person being interviewed is holding an open press conference, then it is always advisable to request a scheduled interview. Requesting an interviewing shows the person that their time is respected, and that allows them to prepare for questions. Many public figures will request a list of questions that will be asked so that they may be better prepared. It is customary to forward an interview outline of the primary questions and topics which will be discussed.
Be on time for the interview. Interview subjects take time out of their busy days to meet with journalists, so it is a sign of professionalism to be there on time, and to be prepared. Let the interviewee know the approximate length of time that the interview may take, and be prepared to begin the interview at the scheduled time. Few things look as unprofessional as an interviewer who has to look for things when the interview is set to begin.
Conducting the Interview
Interview sessions should always be held in a professional manner. Always let the person being interviewed know when the interview is about to begin. Ask for permission if recording devices are to be used, and for permission to quote specific details or controversial statements.
Develop an early rapport with the interviewee, so that they become comfortable in talking. The purpose of the interview is to gather information, and the more comfortable a person becomes with the interviewer, they more they open up and talk.
Ask open-ended questions. Avoid questions that elicit just a "yes" or "no" response. Good journalists always want to uncover answers to the five basic questions; who, what, when, where, and how. Prepare questions that will lead to broad answers and detailed information. Remember, it's better to have more information than needed for a story, than not enough.
Interviews should be non-adversarial. Challenge the interviewee only if statements are unclear, or if information is questionable based on previous research. Request more details or clarity on ambiguous statements, and keep the length of the interview within the timeframe allotted. Always end the interview by thanking the interviewee for their time, and ask if it may be possible to contact them again greater clarity or more information is needed.
Remember that gaining an interview is a privilege. Respecting a person's time, space, and expertise will allow of a more comfortable interview subject, and will usually produce an interview which leads to a great story.