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Interviewing

A guide for backpack and other journalists

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He who asks is a fool for 5 minutes. He who doesn’t ask is a fool forever.

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Interviewing is part of a three-step process

• Interviewing– Gets raw material for stories

• Editing/Honing– Strengthens material

• Cropping/Cutting– Shapes final stories

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Like all backpack journalism, interviewing is the same as in regular journalism -- but different.

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Focus the interview

• Ask lots of questions– You need lots of raw material

• Choose an angle– Pick a focus for your project

• Explore a subject further– That’s why you need lots of raw material

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Interviewing

• Key to success for a good backpack or print journalist.

• Two main parts– Asking good questions– LISTENING!!!!

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Interviewing

• Steps in the process (before interview)– Identifying the story topic and angle– Identifying the source(s)– Background research

• Don’t interview people for facts, interview for reactions

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Interviewing

• Steps in the process (before interview)– Identifying the story topic and angle– Identifying the source(s)– Background research

• Don’t interview people for facts, interview for reactions – especially on camera

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Information Search

• Questions for before the interview.– How much time do I have to track down

information?– What do I need to know?– How will I use this information?– Who is the audience for this information?

These are the questions your team needs to answer soon

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Interviewing• Story types and interviewing

– News story• Subject focused• People are secondary

– Profile• People focused • Other topics are secondary

– Investigative story• Need to know both

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Interviewing

• News stories– Time to research is usually short– Clips, other writers are good background

sources– Rapport with regular sources for your

beat will serve you well• They know you so they’ll talk with you

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Interviewing• Profiles -- vital to character-driven

backpack journalists– Background information

• Basics: age, education, etc.• Know their works, their achievements• Know their subjects• Know their hobbies, if possible• Dress to match• Interview friends, family, etc.• “Shadow” them, if possible

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Interviewing

• Investigative stories– Adversarial relationship?– Know the answers to the questions you

ask– Start with people on the fringes and

work your way in to the main source– Get as much evidence as possible ahead

of time

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InterviewingThe way you ask a question

• Signals the response you expect• Can reveal your own point of view on the

issue• May block a response

–“Are you still cheating on exams.”

Ask people questions they can answer

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Interviewing• Use open-ended questions

– Questions that require more than a “yes” or “no” answer

– You want questions that draw visual responses (especially important for video)

– Work from general to specific• These questions are less direct and less

threatening

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Interviewing

• Closed-ended questions– Asking a specific question to get a

specific answer– Plan when to ask these questions and

who you are going to ask– Keep asking until your source gives you

an adequate response or tells you where to find the information

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Interviewing

• Rapport– The relationship between the reporter

and the source• Critical to the success of the interview

– Look for commonalities with your subject• Make them feel comfortable with you

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Interviewing nuts and bolts

• Establishing a rapport– Look around the interview space for

• Photos of family• Pets• Signs of their religious background

– Talk about something you see• Gets subjects at ease

Also comes in handy when filming “B roll”

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Interviewing nuts and bolts

• Setting up the interview– Work with the subject, but suggest a time– Estimate how long you will need

• Be prepared if it goes longer– Set the place

• Interviewee’s space? (puts them at ease)• Neutral territory

– Be cautious of noise -- especially important in filming– Privacy issues?

– Possible return for more information– Call/e-mail back to check accuracy

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Interviewing nuts and bolts• What to bring

– What about a recorder for print? Camera?• Backpack journalists rely on equipment• Don’t count on it working. Have a plan if it

fails– Notebook choices for notes– Writing instruments (at least 2 pencils)

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Interviewing nuts and bolts• What to bring

– What about a recorder for print? Camera?• Backpack journalists rely on equipment• Don’t count on it working. Have a plan if it

fails– Notebook choices for notes– Writing instruments (at least 2 pencils)

• What not to bring– Cell phone (Turn it off; it’s distracting)– Chewing Gum (it looks unprofessional)

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Interviewing nuts and bolts

• List of questions– Write out the main questions you want

to ask– DO NOT write them on your notebook

with space after each one for answer– Maybe just a list of main points

Write answers even if taping or filming

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Interviewing nuts and bolts

• Start with the easy questions– Good time to confirm spelling of name

(don’t ask this if there is a sign or nameplate)

– Title • These can change from published material

you found in research– Other basic info if you have questions

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Interviewing nuts and bolts• Ask the general questions first• LISTEN to their answers

– They will frequently answer more than one of your questions at a time.

• If their answers lead you to a better story, just keep filming or writing and follow the new thread

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Interviewing nuts and bolts

• Empathy is important-- Why are you talking with this person

• Silence is helpful • Non-verbal cues• Body language• Look them in the eye

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Interviewing and accuracy• No one wants to be misquoted• Here’s where taping interviews helps• No good reporter wants to misquote a

source• Arrange for a possible call back to check

accuracy of quotes, fill in any blanks– Call back even if you really don’t need to– Send an email or note thanking source for their

time

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Interviewing• At the interview’s conclusion, ask:

– Is there anything that I haven’t asked that I should have?

– Anything else you’d like to add?– Give them your contact information (telephone

or email)• Review your notes (flip through)• Put the pen away. Open your ears• Tell them when the story may appear or

where they’ll find it on the Internet

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Backpack Journalist Interviewing

• It’s different because of the multimedia needs

• Use small talk to put people at ease, then set up a camera with the subject miked

• Film the entire interview taking note of vital answers

• Then pick up the camera and change perspective while you ask questions again.

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Backpack Journalist Interviewing

• Then shoot other scenes in the room (details), or the reason for the interview. You want detail shots when you already have enough for a story.

• In the editing process, you can move visuals around or add others.

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Your assignment now

• Pair off, interview each other.• Write a one-page profile of your team

member.• List the B-roll footage you’ll shoot

(the details), and what questions you want to ask for reaction shots. You’re not going to do the filming, but I want to know what you would shoot and ask.