6.1 Preparing for interviews

Preparing for interviews is crucial for successful magazine writing. From thorough research to ethical considerations, journalists must cover all bases. Understanding your subject, planning questions, and setting clear objectives are key steps in the process.

Effective preparation goes beyond surface-level research. It involves deep dives into the interviewee's background, considering cultural sensitivities, and structuring the interview for maximum impact. These skills are essential for crafting compelling magazine content.

Interview Preparation Essentials

Comprehensive Research and Planning

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  Creating a Research Question | Writing & Research in the Disciplines View original

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  Research Process - Jump Start Your Research! - Research Guides at Vanderbilt University View original

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• Conduct thorough background research on interview subjects including professional history, notable achievements, and recent activities
• Prepare detailed question list with broad open-ended queries and specific follow-ups
• Familiarize yourself with interview topic including current trends, controversies, and relevant terminology
• Select and test appropriate recording equipment to ensure functionality and audio/video quality
• Consider interview setting and logistics like location scouting, scheduling, and obtaining necessary permissions

Ethical Considerations and Self-Reflection

• Review applicable ethical guidelines and journalistic standards for interview subject and topic
• Engage in mental preparation to identify and mitigate potential biases about interviewee or subject matter
• Reflect on your own knowledge gaps or assumptions that could impact the interview
• Consider cultural sensitivities or taboos relevant to the interviewee's background

Researching Interview Subjects

Diverse Information Gathering

• Utilize varied sources like academic databases, reputable news outlets, and official biographies
• Critically evaluate social media profiles and online presence for insights into public persona
• Consult experts or colleagues with prior knowledge of interview subject
• Analyze previous interviews and public statements to identify patterns or areas of interest
• Develop systematic approach to organize gathered information (detailed profiles, timelines)

Contextual Understanding

• Identify key stakeholders in subject's professional or personal network for additional context
• Explore subject's cultural, social, and professional background to understand perspective
• Research any ongoing projects, recent publications, or upcoming events related to the interviewee
• Investigate subject's affiliations with organizations, causes, or movements
• Study subject's communication style and preferred interview format from past appearances

Structuring Effective Interviews

Interview Format and Flow

• Establish clear interview format (chronological, thematic, or combined approach)
• Develop comprehensive interview guide with key topics and potential follow-ups
• Incorporate flexibility to explore unexpected or insightful responses
• Plan appropriate ice-breakers to establish rapport (shared interests, recent achievements)
• Consider potential challenges and prepare tactful strategies to address sensitive topics

Time Management and Wrap-up

• Allocate sufficient time for each interview section (introductions, core questions, conclusion)
• Build in buffer time for unexpected tangents or technical difficulties
• Plan opportunities for interviewee to provide additional information or clarifications
• Prepare concise wrap-up questions to summarize key points and future outlooks
• Schedule post-interview time for immediate reflection and note-taking

Defining Interview Objectives

Goal Setting and Alignment

• Identify specific interview goals (unique insights, clarifying statements, exploring experiences)
• Align interview objectives with broader story context to ensure relevance and coherence
• Consider target audience interests and needs when formulating objectives
• Recognize how clear objectives guide question formulation and maintain interview focus
• Understand role of objectives in post-interview evaluation and improvement

Balancing Structure and Flexibility

• Appreciate balance between achieving set objectives and remaining open to valuable unexpected information
• Use objectives to guide efficient editing and selection of key quotes post-interview
• Develop contingency plans for scenarios where primary objectives may not be met
• Consider how objectives might evolve during the interview based on new information
• Prepare follow-up strategies to ensure core objectives are addressed if conversation veers off-track