Interviews

Definition

Interviews are a method of gathering information through direct, one-on-one conversations, typically between a journalist and a source. This technique is essential in feature writing as it allows writers to capture personal stories, insights, and quotes that add depth and richness to their narratives. The quality of an interview can significantly impact the overall effectiveness and emotional resonance of a feature piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Effective interviews require good listening skills and the ability to adapt questions based on the interviewee's responses.
2. Creating a comfortable environment for the interviewee can lead to more open and honest conversations, resulting in richer content.
3. Interviews can take various forms, including structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, each serving different purposes in feature writing.
4. The use of quotes from interviews is crucial in feature writing as they provide authenticity and a personal touch to the narrative.
5. Post-interview, it’s important for writers to carefully analyze and select relevant quotes and insights that align with the story they want to tell.

Review Questions

• How do interviews enhance the storytelling aspect of feature writing?
  • Interviews enhance storytelling by providing firsthand accounts and personal insights that bring depth to feature writing. They allow writers to present diverse perspectives and emotions, making the story more relatable to readers. By incorporating quotes and narratives from interviews, writers can create a vivid picture that captures the essence of their subjects, leading to a more engaging reading experience.
• What strategies can be employed to improve the effectiveness of an interview?
  • To improve the effectiveness of an interview, one can employ strategies like conducting thorough background research on the interviewee and topic beforehand. This knowledge helps in crafting targeted questions that invite detailed responses. Additionally, using open-ended questions encourages deeper dialogue while creating a comfortable atmosphere allows for a more relaxed conversation, leading to more authentic insights.
• Evaluate the role of follow-up questions in interviews and their impact on the final narrative in feature writing.
  • Follow-up questions play a critical role in interviews as they help clarify vague responses and dig deeper into significant topics. By asking these questions, writers can uncover additional layers of information that may not have been addressed initially. This thorough exploration not only enriches the content but also strengthens the overall narrative in feature writing, providing readers with comprehensive insights and enhancing engagement.

Related terms

Open-ended questions: Questions that encourage detailed responses rather than simple yes or no answers, fostering a more engaging conversation.

Follow-up questions: Additional questions asked during an interview to clarify, expand on, or delve deeper into specific points raised by the interviewee.

Background research: The process of gathering information about a subject or interviewee prior to conducting an interview, which helps to inform questions and improve the overall quality of the discussion.