6.4 Conducting interviews for different magazine formats

Interviewing for magazines is an art form that requires adaptability and finesse. Different formats demand unique approaches, from in-depth profiles to snappy Q&As. Mastering these techniques helps writers capture the essence of their subjects and create compelling content.

Effective interviewing also varies across magazine sections. Whether it's breaking news, lifestyle trends, or specialized topics, understanding the nuances of each area allows journalists to ask the right questions and deliver stories that resonate with their target audience.

Interviewing Techniques for Magazine Formats

Adapting Techniques for Specific Formats

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• Profiles require in-depth, personal questioning to capture the subject's character, motivations, and life story, often incorporating descriptive elements of their environment and mannerisms
• Q&A formats demand precise, concise questions that elicit quotable responses, focusing on maintaining the interviewee's voice and perspective throughout the piece
• Feature articles necessitate a blend of fact-gathering and narrative-building questions, often requiring multiple interviews and sources to create a comprehensive story
• Different magazine formats require varying levels of research preparation, from extensive background study for profiles to more open-ended exploration for feature articles
  • Profiles may involve researching the subject's entire life history, career milestones, and public statements
  • Feature articles might require broader research on a topic, including expert opinions and relevant statistics

Interviewer's Role and Time Management

• The interviewer's role shifts between formats, from being an almost invisible presence in Q&As to a more active narrator in profiles and feature articles
  • In Q&As, the interviewer primarily facilitates the conversation, allowing the interviewee's words to take center stage
  • For profiles, the interviewer becomes a storyteller, weaving observations and insights into the narrative
• Time management during interviews varies by format, with profiles often requiring longer, more intimate sessions, while Q&As may be more focused and time-constrained
  • Profile interviews might span several hours or even multiple sessions to capture depth and nuance
  • Q&As typically last 30 minutes to an hour, focusing on specific topics or recent events

Post-Interview Processing

• Post-interview processing techniques differ, from transcribing verbatim for Q&As to selective quoting and paraphrasing for profiles and features
  • Q&As often require full transcription to maintain the interviewee's exact words and speech patterns
  • Profiles and features involve more editorial decision-making, selecting key quotes and summarizing information to craft a cohesive narrative
• Fact-checking and follow-up processes vary depending on the format and publication standards
  • Feature articles may require extensive fact-checking with multiple sources
  • Profiles often involve verifying personal anecdotes and career details with the subject or their representatives

Interviewing for Different Magazine Sections

News and Current Affairs

• News sections require rapid turnaround and fact-focused questioning, often dealing with time-sensitive information and multiple sources
  • Interviewers must prioritize accuracy and timeliness, often conducting interviews shortly after events occur
  • Questions focus on the "5 Ws and H" (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How) to gather essential information quickly
• Develop skills in cross-referencing information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and provide a balanced perspective
  • Corroborate key facts with at least two independent sources when possible
  • Seek out diverse viewpoints to present a comprehensive understanding of the news story

Lifestyle and Entertainment

• Lifestyle sections demand a balance between informative and entertaining content, often requiring the interviewer to capture trends, personal experiences, and expert opinions
  • Blend questions about practical advice with those exploring personal anecdotes or emotional responses
  • Stay current on popular culture, fashion trends, and social movements to ask relevant questions
• Celebrity interviews in entertainment sections present unique challenges in managing time constraints, PR representatives, and crafting questions that go beyond standard promotional content
  • Develop strategies for building rapport quickly with high-profile subjects
  • Prepare questions that balance promotional content with more personal or insightful topics

Specialized Sections

• Business and finance sections necessitate a strong understanding of industry jargon and current market trends, often requiring interviewers to translate complex concepts for a general readership
  • Stay updated on economic indicators, company performances, and industry developments
  • Prepare follow-up questions to clarify technical terms or complex financial strategies
• Health and wellness sections require sensitivity when discussing personal health issues, along with the ability to verify and explain medical information accurately
  • Develop a network of medical experts for fact-checking and background information
  • Frame questions to respect patient privacy while still obtaining valuable insights
• Technology sections demand up-to-date knowledge of rapidly changing fields and the ability to make technical concepts accessible to a broad audience
  • Regularly review tech news and attend industry events to stay current
  • Practice translating technical jargon into layman's terms during interviews
• Cultural sections, such as arts and literature, require interviewers to engage with abstract concepts and creative processes, often necessitating a more interpretive approach to questioning
  • Familiarize yourself with the artist's or author's body of work before the interview
  • Craft questions that explore the creative process, inspirations, and broader cultural impact

Tailoring Interviews for Audience and Style

Audience Analysis and Language Adaptation

• Analyze the publication's target demographic to inform question formulation, considering factors such as age, education level, and interests of the readership
  • Tailor questions for a young adult magazine to focus on career development and lifestyle trends
  • Frame questions for a retirement-focused publication around financial planning and health concerns
• Adapt language complexity and use of jargon based on the publication's style guide and typical audience comprehension level
  • Use more technical terms for a specialized trade journal
  • Opt for simpler language and explanations in a general interest magazine

Question Formulation and Tone

• Incorporate open-ended questions for in-depth exploration in long-form articles, and use more direct questions for publications favoring concise, fact-based reporting
  • Open-ended example "How did your childhood experiences shape your artistic vision?"
  • Direct question example "What was the company's revenue growth in the past quarter?"
• Develop questions that reflect the publication's tone, whether it's formal, conversational, academic, or irreverent
  • Formal tone "What were the primary factors influencing your decision to pursue this policy?"
  • Conversational tone "So, what made you think, 'Yeah, this is the way to go' with that policy?"

Content Focus and Depth

• Consider the publication's political or ideological leanings when framing questions on sensitive or controversial topics
  • For a conservative-leaning publication, focus questions on economic impacts and traditional values
  • For a progressive-leaning outlet, emphasize social justice and environmental concerns
• Tailor the depth and breadth of questions to match the typical article length and detail level of the publication
  • For a brief news item, focus on key facts and immediate impacts
  • For an in-depth feature, explore historical context, multiple perspectives, and long-term implications
• Adjust the balance between personal and professional questions based on the publication's focus and reader expectations
  • Celebrity-focused magazines may emphasize personal life and relationships
  • Business publications typically prioritize professional achievements and industry insights

Interviewing Across Various Mediums

In-Person Interview Techniques

• Master non-verbal communication techniques for in-person interviews, including maintaining appropriate eye contact, reading body language, and using gestures effectively
  • Maintain eye contact 60-70% of the time to show engagement without appearing aggressive
  • Mirror the interviewee's body language subtly to build rapport
• Develop strategies for managing the physical environment to create a comfortable atmosphere conducive to open dialogue
  • Choose a quiet location with minimal distractions
  • Arrange seating to promote a conversational dynamic, avoiding confrontational face-to-face positioning

Remote Interview Adaptations

• Develop strategies for building rapport quickly in phone interviews, focusing on vocal cues and pacing to compensate for the lack of visual feedback
  • Use verbal affirmations (uh-huh, I see) to indicate active listening
  • Vary your tone and pace to maintain engagement and convey enthusiasm
• Adapt to the unique challenges of video interviews, such as managing technical issues, framing the shot, and maintaining a professional background
  • Test your equipment and connection before the interview
  • Position your camera at eye level and ensure proper lighting to create a professional appearance

Universal Interviewing Skills

• Learn to use silence effectively across all mediums as a tool to encourage deeper responses from interviewees
  • Allow 3-5 seconds of silence after an answer to give the interviewee time to elaborate
  • Use silent pauses strategically to prompt reflection on complex topics
• Develop techniques for redirecting conversations and handling unexpected responses in real-time, adapting these skills to the constraints of each medium
  • Prepare transitional phrases to guide the conversation back on track
  • Practice improvising follow-up questions based on unexpected information
• Master the art of active listening across all interview formats, ensuring follow-up questions are relevant and insightful regardless of the communication channel
  • Take concise notes during the interview to reference key points
  • Summarize and paraphrase the interviewee's statements to confirm understanding and encourage elaboration