Informative InterviewEx. If you are writing a report about the 1940’s, you might interview someone from that time period.

Reliable Sources – gives accurate information about the subject

Primary Source - provides information from direct experience

Ex: Holocaust survivor may give a first hand account. Night by Elie Wiesel

Secondary Source: provides information that originated with other people

Ex: A history book that informs about the Holocaust, written based on research.

1. Is the person knowledgeable about the information?

2. Is the person a primary or a secondary source?

3. Is the person a reliable source?

Age: older would be more reliable

Memory: the longer ago an event took place, the less credible

Bias: may have beliefs that are not accurate

Call, email, or write to the person. Try to arrange an in person interview.

Beginning: To relieve stress, ask easy questions

Middle: Aim for specific information End: Thank the person and ask for

comments

Open Questions: encourage a person to share feelings

Closed Questions: “yes” or “no” answers

Neutral Questions - does not show your point of view

Leading Questions - suggests the answer you desire

Follow-Up Questions - probe for additional information from previous questions.

Examples on page 202

Paraphrasing: in your own words the idea you received from the interviewee’s words

Monitor you nonverbal communication – good eye contact, nod, & smile.

Write a short letter to the person for taking time for you.

Indicate that you look forward to hearing from the company or school.

Offer to send the interviewee a copy of your article or report.

Develop your mock interview requirements.

If you have remaining time, the following assignment is due Tue. Page 208 – Questions 1-10

Holt, Rinehart, and Wintson. Speech in Everyday Communication. 1999.