3.4 Handling difficult interviewees and sensitive topics

Handling difficult interviewees and sensitive topics is a crucial skill for journalists. It requires maintaining composure, building trust, and employing effective questioning techniques. Preparation is key, including thorough research and anticipating potential challenges.

Approaching sensitive subjects demands creating a safe environment, using appropriate language, and prioritizing the well-being of both interviewees and journalists. Ethical considerations, de-escalation techniques, and conflict resolution strategies are essential for navigating complex interview situations and maintaining professional integrity.

Managing Challenging Interviewees

Strategies for Uncooperative, Evasive, or Hostile Interviewees

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• Maintain composure, build rapport, and employ effective questioning techniques when dealing with interviewees who are reluctant to provide information, give evasive answers, or display hostile behavior
• Attempt to build trust with uncooperative interviewees by explaining the purpose of the interview, assuring confidentiality if appropriate, and demonstrating genuine interest in their perspective
• Persist in seeking clarification, rephrase questions, and use follow-up questions to elicit more specific responses from evasive interviewees who deflect questions or provide vague answers
• Remain calm, avoid engaging in arguments, and steer the conversation back to relevant topics when dealing with hostile interviewees who exhibit aggressive, confrontational, or dismissive behavior (end the interview professionally if the situation escalates)

Preparing for Challenging Interviews

• Thoroughly research the topic and the interviewee's background to anticipate potential points of contention and have a clear understanding of the interview's objectives
• Develop a list of well-crafted questions that address the key issues and allow for follow-up queries to clarify or expand on responses
• Practice active listening skills and prepare to rephrase questions or change the approach if the interviewee becomes uncooperative or evasive
• Have a plan in place for managing potential conflicts or hostile behavior, including strategies for de-escalation and knowing when to end the interview if necessary

Approaching Sensitive Topics

Building Trust and Using Appropriate Language

• Establish trust with interviewees when discussing sensitive or controversial topics (trauma, abuse, discrimination, political divisions) by creating a safe and comfortable environment, expressing genuine concern for their experiences, and assuring them of the importance of their story
• Familiarize yourself with the preferred terminology and phrases related to the sensitive topic to avoid using stigmatizing or judgmental language that may re-traumatize or offend the interviewee
• Use open-ended questions that allow the interviewee to share their experiences and perspectives in their own words, avoiding leading questions or making assumptions
• Be attentive to the interviewee's emotional state and respect their boundaries, offering breaks if needed and providing resources for support if appropriate

Prioritizing Interviewee Well-being and Journalist Self-care

• Prioritize the interviewee's well-being by being prepared to stop the interview if they become overwhelmed or distressed
• Recognize the potential impact of covering sensitive topics on your own emotional well-being and practice self-care strategies to maintain objectivity and resilience
• Seek support from colleagues or mental health professionals when needed to process difficult experiences and prevent burnout
• Establish a network of trusted peers or mentors who can provide guidance and feedback on handling sensitive interviews and managing the emotional challenges of the work

Ethical Considerations in Interviews

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

• Balance the public's right to know with the interviewee's privacy when determining the newsworthiness of information and the potential harm to those involved
• Consult with editors or legal experts to determine the appropriate course of action when faced with ethical dilemmas (protecting vulnerable sources, witnessing illegal activity)
• Maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information or vulnerable sources, being transparent about the level of confidentiality you can provide and upholding commitments to protect the interviewee's identity if agreed upon
• Avoid becoming personally involved in the interviewee's situation or crossing professional boundaries (offering personal advice, making promises, engaging in inappropriate relationships)

Documenting Ethical Decisions and Adhering to Guidelines

• Document the decision-making process and rationale behind ethical choices to defend your actions and maintain transparency (keeping detailed notes, recording conversations with editors)
• Adhere to established ethical guidelines and codes of conduct set forth by professional organizations (Society of Professional Journalists, Radio Television Digital News Association)
• Regularly review and discuss ethical principles with colleagues to ensure a shared understanding of best practices and to foster a culture of ethical decision-making in the newsroom
• Seek out training opportunities and resources to stay informed about evolving ethical considerations in the rapidly changing media landscape

De-escalation and Conflict Resolution in Interviews

Techniques for Maintaining a Productive Interview Environment

• Employ active listening by giving the interviewee undivided attention, acknowledging their concerns, and demonstrating understanding through verbal and nonverbal cues to reduce defensive or hostile behavior
• Remain calm and composed in the face of conflict, using a measured tone of voice, avoiding confrontational body language, and maintaining a neutral facial expression to diffuse tense situations
• Reframe the conversation in a positive or solution-oriented manner to shift the focus away from conflict and towards finding common ground (emphasizing shared goals like uncovering the truth or promoting understanding)
• Take a break or adjourn the interview temporarily if the conflict persists or escalates, allowing both parties to cool down, reflect on the situation, and reapproach the discussion with a fresh perspective

Prioritizing Safety and Debriefing

• Prioritize your own safety and the safety of others if the interviewee becomes verbally or physically aggressive (ending the interview, seeking assistance from colleagues or security personnel, contacting law enforcement if necessary)
• Debrief with editors or colleagues after a difficult interview to process your experiences, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies for handling similar situations in the future
• Establish clear protocols for reporting and responding to incidents of harassment, intimidation, or violence directed towards journalists in the course of their work
• Advocate for resources and support systems within your organization to address the unique challenges and risks faced by journalists conducting difficult interviews (safety training, legal assistance, mental health services)