Interviews

Definition

Interviews are structured conversations where a journalist asks questions to gather information from an interviewee, often to create content for stories. This technique is vital for collecting firsthand insights, experiences, and perspectives that enrich narratives and engage audiences. Through interviews, storytellers can uncover unique angles and humanize their stories, making them relatable and compelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interviews can take various forms, including face-to-face, phone calls, or video conferencing, allowing for flexibility in gathering information.
2. The quality of an interview often depends on the interviewer’s ability to build rapport with the interviewee, making them feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
3. Interviews should include both prepared questions and the ability to adapt based on the flow of conversation, allowing for more organic dialogue.
4. Active listening is essential during interviews, as it helps the interviewer pick up on cues and leads to ask relevant follow-up questions.
5. Good interviews not only provide information but also capture the emotions and experiences of the interviewee, adding depth to storytelling.

Review Questions

• How do interviews serve as a source of information gathering in storytelling?
  • Interviews are a primary method for journalists to gather firsthand accounts and insights from individuals, which can greatly enhance the depth and authenticity of a story. By asking questions directly to sources, storytellers can obtain unique perspectives that may not be available through secondary sources. This method allows for richer narratives that resonate with audiences by highlighting personal experiences and emotions.
• In what ways can an effective interview lead to the development of compelling feature story ideas?
  • An effective interview can reveal interesting anecdotes and perspectives that can spark innovative feature story ideas. As interviewers engage with subjects, they often uncover themes or unique experiences that stand out. These revelations can serve as focal points for feature stories, allowing storytellers to explore new angles and create narratives that captivate readers by delving into human interests and complex issues.
• Evaluate how understanding the target audience influences the approach taken during interviews.
  • Understanding the target audience significantly shapes how interviews are conducted, influencing both the questions asked and the style of engagement. When interviewers know who will be reading or watching the story, they can tailor their questions to elicit responses that resonate with those viewers. This targeted approach enhances the relevance of the content produced, ensuring that it speaks directly to audience interests and expectations while maintaining an engaging narrative flow.

Related terms

Open-ended Questions: Questions that allow for elaborate responses instead of simple 'yes' or 'no' answers, encouraging deeper conversation.

Background Research: The process of gathering information about a subject or individual prior to conducting an interview, helping to formulate relevant questions.

Follow-up Questions: Additional questions posed during or after the initial interview to delve deeper into a topic or clarify responses.