🏅Sports Reporting and Production Unit 5 – Interviewing Athletes & Coaches

Key Concepts and Techniques

• Building rapport establishes trust and encourages open communication between the interviewer and interviewee
• Active listening involves fully concentrating on and comprehending the interviewee's responses to formulate meaningful follow-up questions
• Open-ended questions encourage detailed responses and allow the interviewee to express their thoughts and feelings more comprehensively
• Closed-ended questions are useful for confirming specific details or obtaining concise answers (yes/no, specific dates, or numbers)
• Follow-up questions help clarify points, elicit more information, and demonstrate genuine interest in the interviewee's responses
• Nonverbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice, can provide additional context and insight into the interviewee's thoughts and emotions
• Maintaining objectivity ensures that the interviewer remains unbiased and presents a balanced perspective in their reporting

Pre-Interview Preparation

• Research the athlete or coach's background, including their career highlights, recent performances, and any relevant personal information
• Review recent news articles, press conferences, and interviews to identify potential topics and angles for the interview
• Develop a list of key questions that cover the main points of interest while leaving room for flexibility and spontaneity during the interview
• Consider the interview's purpose, such as a profile piece, post-game reaction, or in-depth analysis, to guide the question selection and overall approach
• Coordinate with the team's media relations staff to arrange the interview, confirm the location and duration, and address any specific requirements or restrictions
• Prepare necessary equipment, such as recording devices, cameras, or notepads, and ensure they are in proper working condition
• Familiarize yourself with the sport's rules, terminology, and current trends to demonstrate knowledge and credibility during the interview

Types of Sports Interviews

• Pre-game interviews focus on the athlete or coach's preparation, strategies, and expectations for the upcoming competition
• Post-game interviews capture immediate reactions, insights, and emotions following the conclusion of a game or event
• Locker room interviews take place in a more casual setting and often provide a behind-the-scenes look at the team's dynamics and individual personalities
• One-on-one interviews allow for in-depth conversations and the opportunity to explore personal stories, challenges, and achievements
• Press conferences involve multiple reporters asking questions in a formal setting, often following significant announcements or events
• Feature interviews aim to provide a comprehensive profile of an athlete or coach, delving into their background, motivations, and life beyond the sport
• Telephone or remote interviews may be necessary when in-person access is limited, requiring adaptations in communication style and technology use

Crafting Effective Questions

• Begin with a brief, open-ended question to help the interviewee feel comfortable and establish a conversational tone
• Use specific and targeted questions to elicit detailed responses and avoid generalizations or vague answers
• Incorporate relevant statistics, quotes, or anecdotes into questions to provide context and encourage thoughtful responses
• Ask follow-up questions to clarify points, explore interesting angles, or challenge inconsistencies in the interviewee's responses
• Avoid leading questions that suggest a desired answer or bias, allowing the interviewee to express their own opinions and perspectives
• Balance the use of open-ended and closed-ended questions to maintain a natural flow and gather a mix of detailed insights and concise facts
• Prepare a range of questions covering various topics to ensure a well-rounded interview and to adapt if certain lines of questioning become unproductive

Interview Etiquette and Protocols

• Arrive on time and be well-prepared to demonstrate professionalism and respect for the interviewee's time and efforts
• Dress appropriately for the setting, considering the sport, venue, and any specific team or league guidelines
• Begin the interview with a brief introduction, explaining the purpose and intended use of the material to be covered
• Maintain eye contact, use positive body language, and actively listen to the interviewee's responses to build rapport and encourage open communication
• Respect the interviewee's boundaries and avoid pressing for information on sensitive or off-limits topics without prior agreement
• Be flexible and adaptable during the interview, allowing for tangents or unexpected responses that may lead to valuable insights
• Express gratitude for the interviewee's time and insights at the conclusion of the interview, and provide information on the expected publication or broadcast date if applicable

Handling Challenging Situations

• If an athlete or coach is reluctant to answer a question, respectfully rephrase the question or move on to another topic without becoming confrontational
• When faced with a hostile or uncooperative interviewee, remain calm, professional, and focused on the purpose of the interview
• If an interviewee provides inconsistent or contradictory information, gently probe for clarification or present the discrepancy objectively for their response
• Should an athlete or coach become emotional or visibly upset during an interview, demonstrate empathy and understanding while maintaining a professional demeanor
• In the event of a technical malfunction or interruption, remain composed and work to resolve the issue promptly or reschedule the interview if necessary
• If an interviewee uses offensive or inappropriate language, calmly redirect the conversation or politely remind them of the interview's professional context
• When dealing with sensitive or controversial topics, approach the subject with tact and objectivity, allowing the interviewee to express their perspective without judgment

Post-Interview Analysis and Follow-up

• Review the interview recording or notes to identify key themes, quotes, and insights that align with the intended story angle or purpose
• Transcribe relevant portions of the interview for accurate quotation and to facilitate the writing or editing process
• Evaluate the interviewee's responses and nonverbal cues to assess the overall tone, credibility, and potential impact of the material gathered
• Conduct additional research or fact-checking as needed to verify information or provide context for the interviewee's statements
• If necessary, follow up with the interviewee or their representatives to clarify any ambiguous points or to request additional information
• Consider the interview's place within the larger story or context, and determine how to best integrate the material into the final report or presentation
• Reflect on the interview process and outcome to identify areas for improvement and to refine interviewing skills for future assignments

Ethical Considerations

• Adhere to the principles of accuracy, fairness, and transparency in reporting the content of the interview and in presenting the interviewee's perspective
• Respect the interviewee's right to privacy and avoid disclosing sensitive personal information without their explicit consent
• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that may influence the interview or the reporting of its content
• Honor any agreements made with the interviewee or their representatives regarding the scope, duration, or intended use of the interview
• Avoid misrepresenting or manipulating the interviewee's statements through selective editing or out-of-context quotation
• Maintain the confidentiality of any off-the-record or background information shared by the interviewee or their representatives
• Strive to present a balanced and accurate portrayal of the interviewee and their views, even if they conflict with personal beliefs or editorial positions