Getting Great Interviews

It comes down to Common Sense!

It could be worse…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VosNK542wrI

(Top 10 most awkward interviews in sports)

Step One:

Figure out how to get the best infoSources

Sources

Sources

How else can I get good info?

Ask your main source(s) for other people you should contact

Be prepared, but be flexible

The “dumb” question might be the best question…ask it!

Be patient. It might take a while

Ask the follow-up questions

Step Two

Connect with the interviewee on a human level

You have no reason to be afraid of them

Don’t give them a reason to be afraid of you

Do and Don’t

What are the things that every reporter needs to do when partaking in the interview process?

Make a list and let’s compare

Some afterthoughts:

Don’t take a rude interviewee personally (it is not about you)

If you don’t get a good interview, find other people to talk to

Make sure you LISTEN

Technology is not the answer

Taking Notes

This is a skill you will developParaphrase carefully…you cannot change the initial meaningAnticipate the interviewIf you have to call later to check on something:

“You were talking about _____. Can you elaborate on that some more for me?”

In a bind?

Why do you say that?

Can you explain that?

Can you describe that situation for me?

Always End Well

Ask one of the most important questions of an interview now:

“Is there anything else I should know about _________?” or

“Is there anything else you would like to share?”

Thanks to…

Developed based on information from Deborah Davis, Kent State University professor

Your turn

Have a conversationWith a person sitting close to you, determine who will be the interviewer and who will be the intervieweeFor five minutes, the interview will ask questions of the intervieweeSwap rolesMake sure you try to make it more conversational!