🎛️Newsroom Unit 3 – Interviewing Skills and Strategies

What's This Unit About?

• Focuses on developing essential interviewing skills for journalists and media professionals
• Covers various types of interviews (in-person, phone, email) and their unique challenges
• Explores techniques for conducting effective interviews to gather accurate and relevant information
• Discusses the importance of thorough research and preparation before conducting interviews
• Emphasizes the significance of active listening and asking open-ended questions during interviews
• Addresses strategies for handling difficult or uncooperative interviewees while maintaining professionalism
• Highlights the ethical considerations involved in interviewing, such as obtaining informed consent and protecting sources

Key Concepts and Terms

• Open-ended questions encourage interviewees to provide detailed responses and elaboration
  • Example: "Can you describe your experience during the event?" instead of "Did you attend the event?"
• Active listening involves fully concentrating on and comprehending the interviewee's responses
  • Includes verbal and non-verbal cues (nodding, maintaining eye contact) to demonstrate engagement
• Off-the-record information is shared by the interviewee but cannot be published or attributed to them
  • Journalists must clarify and respect the terms of off-the-record discussions
• Informed consent ensures that interviewees understand the purpose and potential implications of the interview
  • Journalists should obtain explicit permission to record or publish the interview content
• Rapport building establishes a positive and trust-based relationship between the interviewer and interviewee
• Follow-up questions help clarify or expand on the interviewee's initial responses
• Objectivity requires journalists to maintain an unbiased approach during interviews and reporting

Types of Interviews

• In-person interviews allow for direct face-to-face communication and observation of non-verbal cues
• Phone interviews offer flexibility and can be conducted remotely, but lack visual cues
• Email interviews provide a written record of responses but may lack the depth and spontaneity of live interviews
• Live interviews are conducted in real-time and often aired or streamed to an audience (press conferences, live broadcasts)
• Feature interviews focus on in-depth exploration of a person's life, experiences, or expertise
• News interviews aim to gather information about current events, issues, or breaking news stories
• Investigative interviews seek to uncover hidden facts or wrongdoing related to a specific topic or event

Pre-Interview Prep

• Research the interviewee's background, expertise, and previous statements or publications
• Develop a list of key questions and talking points based on the research and interview goals
  • Organize questions in a logical sequence, starting with broad topics and narrowing down to specific details
• Anticipate potential challenges or sensitive topics that may arise during the interview
• Prepare follow-up questions to clarify or expand on the interviewee's responses
• Choose an appropriate interview location or platform that ensures privacy, comfort, and minimal distractions
• Test and prepare necessary equipment (recording devices, cameras, microphones) before the interview
• Confirm the interview details (date, time, location) with the interviewee and provide any necessary instructions or guidelines

During the Interview: Techniques and Tips

• Begin with an introduction and explain the purpose and format of the interview
• Use open-ended questions to encourage detailed and thoughtful responses from the interviewee
• Practice active listening by giving the interviewee your full attention and avoiding interruptions
  • Use verbal and non-verbal cues (nodding, maintaining eye contact) to show engagement and encourage elaboration
• Take notes or record the interview (with permission) to ensure accuracy and facilitate later review
• Ask follow-up questions to clarify or expand on the interviewee's responses
• Be flexible and adapt your questions based on the interviewee's responses and the flow of the conversation
• Maintain a neutral and professional demeanor, avoiding personal opinions or judgments
• Respect the interviewee's boundaries and privacy, especially when discussing sensitive topics

Handling Challenging Situations

• If an interviewee becomes defensive or uncooperative, remain calm and respectful while redirecting the conversation
• When faced with evasive or vague responses, rephrase the question or ask for specific examples to encourage clarity
• If an interviewee provides false or misleading information, challenge it respectfully using facts and evidence
• When dealing with emotional or distressed interviewees, show empathy and offer breaks if needed
• If an interviewee goes off-topic or rambles, politely interrupt and steer the conversation back to relevant points
• When handling hostile or aggressive interviewees, maintain composure and assert control over the interview
• If an interviewee refuses to answer a question, respect their decision and move on to other topics

Post-Interview Process

• Review and organize the interview notes or recordings to identify key points and quotes
• Transcribe relevant portions of the interview for accurate reporting and attribution
• Follow up with the interviewee for clarification or additional information if needed
• Verify the accuracy of the interviewee's statements through fact-checking and corroboration with other sources
• Write the article or report based on the interview, ensuring that quotes are used in context and accurately represent the interviewee's perspective
• If agreed upon, allow the interviewee to review the article or quotes for accuracy before publication
• Archive the interview materials (notes, recordings, transcripts) for future reference or legal purposes

Ethical Considerations

• Obtain informed consent from the interviewee, clearly explaining the purpose and potential implications of the interview
• Respect the interviewee's right to privacy and confidentiality, especially when dealing with sensitive topics or vulnerable individuals
• Maintain objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest that may influence the interview or reporting
• Accurately represent the interviewee's statements and perspectives, avoiding misquotation or misrepresentation
• Protect the identity of anonymous sources or whistleblowers who provide information under the condition of confidentiality
• Be transparent about the use of recording devices or the presence of other individuals during the interview
• Avoid using manipulative or deceptive tactics to obtain information from the interviewee
• Recognize and address any personal biases that may affect the interview or reporting process