interview skills getting the most from an interview
TRANSCRIPT
Interview SkillsGetting the most from an interview.
Key Concepts
General Interview Guidelines
Researching and structuring questions
Note taking and tape recorders
Conducting interviews on the internet
Stock questions
“Off the record”
Writing the Interview
General Interview Guidelines
Know what you want to find out.
Know where to get the information
Talk to the experts
Find eyewitnesses if appropriate
Find background information
What information is needed to understand the situation?
Check validity of your sources for that information.
Always use information appropriately
Show confidence and poise
Researching and structuring questions Asking good questions requires good research
Be familiar with what you’re asking about
Ask questions to enhance our understanding of the topic
-est questions
Generally result in limited information
Should be avoided
Stock questions
Used when unable to prepare for an interview
Result in general responses
Embarrassing Questions
Sometimes necessary
Don’t ask loaded questions
Be polite
Conducting the Interview
Observe your subject
Body language is important
How they say something is just as important as what they say
Be Friendly and Attentive
Use a conversation to ask questions
Mind your manners and make eye contact
Remain neutral
Take Notes
Develop your own ‘speedwriting’
Tape recorders can be useful
Writing the Story
Use Details
Don’t be vague or use generalizations
Don’t tell, show.
Using Quotes
Makes the subject ‘real’
Stay out of the story (I asked…)
Q and A
Transcript of interview
Can be rearranged to improve logic
The ScenarioThe school year is coming to an end and you are in charge of writing an article that focuses on seniors who are graduating. Your editor needs the completed story and photos in an 8.5” x 11” portrait layout by Wednesday.
The AssignmentPlan for an interview using the notes you have been given. 1. Prepare 15-20 well-researched questions that you can ask seniors who are
graduating. Due Tomorrow2. Conduct three interviews with three different graduating seniors. 3. Using our camera phone, take photos of your subjects to include in the story.4. Place the story and at least three photos in an 8.5”x 11” layout.5. E-mail the layout to your editor by Wednesday 5/20at 3:00 p.m.