Chapter 5: Interviewing Techniques

Gathering Details

"what were they wearing?" ex: if a man is shot for playing the same song over and over on a juke box, everyone will want to know what the song was

What to do if the source terminates the interview before you get info. you need?

-ask if you may contact again w/ further questions

Conducting the Interview

-basic questions: who, what, where, when, how -follow-up questions -nonjudgemental -nonthreatening order -icebreakers -how did issue evolve? -pros and cons? -verify -is there anything you would like to add?

What to do if source gives you false/inaccurate info.?

-check facts -if false, contact source again and confront w/ problems -ask for explanation

Advantages of Email Interviews

-gives source time to think about responses to questions -saves you from not taking -accurate quotes

Telephone Interviews

-identification -icebreakers -length of questions -clarification -ask for specifics -chronology is important in police and fire stories -verify spelling of stuff

Interviewing Tips

-identify your focus -research background -identify goals -plan questions -request interview -dress appropriately

Sensitivity

-it is a right to expect public officials to talk to you -evryone wants to be portrayed well in the media -reporters need to be aware of source's bias and ask probing questions -seek alternatives points of view

Disadvantages of Email Interviews

-no room for follow-up questions -no room for spontaneity -can't observe body language -no descriptive detail

What to do if the source tells you not to use their name?

-prevent by making sure you identify yourself and your purpose clearly -set ground rules at beginning of interview if you suspect that this might happen -say you cannot use anonymous sources -can you still use a vague title such as "a source in the administration?"

Cons of Digital Recording

-prevent you from taking good notes -can fail when you need them the most -inhibit a source

Note-Taking Tips

-shorthand -key words -double check facts -symbol system -verify vital info -save notes -stand and deliver

Pros of Digital Recording

-use on web or TV -exact wording of a quote

Observation

-videotape: include details from observations -can enhance audio and video for the web and mobile media ex: at a protest: observation to report what signs said and what they were chanting ex: at a trial, use observation to help reader see how the defendant and other ppl in courtroom reacted

"matchmaker" technique

-why is anyone else involved in the issue or if there are other people the source would suggest you contact

What to do if source says something is "off the record?"

-why should it be off the record? -try to convince source that info. is not harmful -ask the question another way

Open-Ended Questions

elicit quotes, elaboration or longer responses

"blame others" technique

ex: "your opponents say this-, how would you respond to that?"

Reporting for Visuals

-locations (get specific measurements) -statistics (charts for print) -highlights (info for a facts box)

Close-Ended Questions

brief, specific answers that are factual

off the record

you may not use the info.