The ability to conduct effective interviews is one of the most valuable skills a journalist can possess. Whether you're speaking with a government official, a crime victim, or a celebrity, your interviewing technique can make the difference between a mediocre story and a compelling piece of journalism that resonates with readers.
The Art of Preparation
Great interviews start long before you sit down with your subject. Thorough preparation is essential:
Research Your Subject
- Study their background, achievements, and public statements
- Understand their role and responsibilities
- Learn about their organization or industry
- Review previous interviews they've given
Research the Topic
- Understand the broader context of your story
- Familiarize yourself with relevant statistics and facts
- Know the key players and stakeholders
- Identify potential areas of controversy or interest
Prepare Your Questions
Develop a strategic question list, but be prepared to deviate from it based on the conversation flow.
Types of Interview Questions
Open-Ended Questions
These encourage detailed responses and allow subjects to share their perspectives freely.
Example: "How did you feel when you learned about the decision?"
Closed-Ended Questions
Useful for getting specific information or confirmation of facts.
Example: "Did you attend the meeting on Tuesday?"
Follow-Up Questions
These dig deeper into interesting responses and show you're listening actively.
Example: "You mentioned feeling frustrated. Can you tell me more about that?"
Hypothetical Questions
These can reveal thinking processes and values.
Example: "What would you do if faced with a similar situation again?"
Building Rapport
Establishing a connection with your interview subject is crucial for getting honest, thoughtful responses:
Start with Easier Questions
Begin with non-threatening topics to help your subject feel comfortable.
Show Genuine Interest
Demonstrate that you're engaged and interested in their story.
Be Respectful
Treat all subjects with dignity, even when asking difficult questions.
Find Common Ground
Look for shared experiences or interests that can help build connection.
Active Listening Techniques
Great interviewers are great listeners:
Give Full Attention
- Maintain appropriate eye contact
- Put away distractions
- Use body language that shows engagement
Listen for Subtext
- Pay attention to what's not being said
- Notice emotional undertones
- Be alert to contradictions or inconsistencies
Allow for Silence
Don't rush to fill every pause. Sometimes the most revealing comments come after a moment of silence.
Handling Difficult Situations
Hostile Subjects
- Remain calm and professional
- Acknowledge their concerns
- Redirect to the facts
- Don't take hostility personally
Evasive Subjects
- Politely redirect to your question
- Rephrase questions if they're unclear
- Try different approaches to the same topic
- Know when to move on
Emotional Subjects
- Show empathy and understanding
- Offer breaks if needed
- Be sensitive to their emotional state
- Balance compassion with journalistic duty
Technical Considerations
Recording Equipment
- Always ask permission before recording
- Test equipment beforehand
- Have backup recording methods
- Take notes even when recording
Note-Taking
- Develop a shorthand system
- Focus on key quotes and information
- Note non-verbal cues and context
- Review and expand notes immediately after
Different Interview Formats
In-Person Interviews
Often the most effective format, allowing for better rapport building and observation of non-verbal cues.
Phone Interviews
Convenient but require extra attention to vocal cues and ensuring clear communication.
Video Interviews
Combine benefits of in-person and remote interviews, but require technical preparation.
Email Interviews
Useful for follow-up questions or when other formats aren't possible, but lack spontaneity.
Ethical Considerations
Always maintain ethical standards in your interviews:
Transparency
- Clearly identify yourself as a journalist
- Explain how the information will be used
- Be honest about your publication and audience
Consent
- Ensure subjects understand they're being interviewed
- Clarify whether quotes will be attributed
- Respect requests to go off the record
Accuracy
- Quote accurately and in context
- Verify facts and claims made during interviews
- Allow subjects to clarify important points
Post-Interview Process
Immediate Follow-Up
- Review and expand your notes while memory is fresh
- Identify key quotes and themes
- Note any follow-up questions or clarifications needed
Fact-Checking
- Verify claims and statistics mentioned
- Check the spelling of names and titles
- Confirm dates and locations
Additional Reporting
- Identify other sources to contact
- Gather additional context or background information
- Seek opposing viewpoints when appropriate
Conclusion
Mastering interview skills is a career-long journey for journalists. The best interviewers combine thorough preparation with genuine curiosity, active listening with strategic questioning, and professional persistence with human empathy.
Remember that every interview is an opportunity to learn something new and to give voice to important stories. By developing these skills, you'll be able to extract compelling narratives that inform, engage, and serve the public interest.