6.3 Handling Difficult Interviews and Subjects

Interviewing difficult subjects in sports journalism requires finesse and strategy. From uncooperative athletes to confrontational coaches, reporters must navigate challenging situations while maintaining professionalism and pursuing the story.

This section covers essential techniques for handling tough interviews. Learn how to prepare, use advanced questioning strategies, manage emotional situations, and address sensitive topics while respecting ethical boundaries and interviewee comfort levels.

Interviewing Uncooperative Subjects

Preparation and Tactics

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• Conduct thorough pre-interview research anticipates potential areas of resistance or evasion
• Recognize common evasion tactics used by interviewees (deflection, vague responses, changing the subject)
• Employ active listening techniques identify inconsistencies or gaps in interviewee responses
• Utilize follow-up questions and probing techniques encourage more detailed and specific answers
  • Ask for clarification on vague statements
  • Request concrete examples to support general claims
• Implement "funnel technique" starts with broader, less threatening questions before narrowing to specific inquiries
  • Begin with "What are your overall thoughts on the team's performance this season?"
  • Gradually focus on more specific topics like "Can you elaborate on the decision to bench the starting quarterback?"

Advanced Strategies

• Develop repertoire of reframing strategies approach sensitive topics from different angles when faced with initial resistance
  • If an athlete deflects questions about a recent controversy, reframe by asking about team morale or personal growth
• Understand value of silence as a tool encourages interviewees to elaborate on responses or fill information gaps
  • Allow 3-5 seconds of silence after an incomplete answer prompts further explanation
• Utilize "bridging" technique connects interviewee's response back to original question
  • "That's interesting, but how does it relate to the question about your contract negotiations?"
• Implement "echo" technique repeats key phrases from interviewee's response encourages expansion
  • Interviewee: "It was a tough game." Interviewer: "A tough game. Can you elaborate on what made it particularly challenging?"

Handling Confrontational Situations

Emotional Regulation

• Recognize physiological signs of stress and emotional reactions in oneself during difficult interviews
  • Increased heart rate, sweating, tension in muscles
• Develop techniques for emotional regulation maintain calm demeanor
  • Practice deep breathing exercises (4-7-8 technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8)
  • Use cognitive reframing turns negative thoughts into neutral or positive ones
• Understand importance of neutral body language and tone of voice de-escalates tense situations
  • Maintain open posture, avoid crossing arms or frowning
  • Speak in a steady, measured tone avoids escalating tension
• Practice active empathy acknowledges interviewee's perspective without compromising journalistic integrity
  • "I understand this topic is frustrating for you. Can you help me understand your perspective better?"

De-escalation Techniques

• Implement strategies for redirecting confrontational behavior back to topic without engaging in arguments
  • Use "bridging" statements: "I appreciate your feelings on this. Let's refocus on the original question about..."
• Develop mental toolkit of professional responses to common challenging scenarios
  • Personal attacks: "I'm here to discuss the issue at hand, not personal matters."
  • Attempts to derail interview: "That's an interesting point, but let's return to the main topic of our discussion."
• Recognize when to pause or terminate interview if situation becomes unproductive or potentially dangerous
  • Set clear boundaries: "If we can't have a respectful conversation, we may need to end this interview."
• Utilize "fogging" technique acknowledges criticism without agreeing or disagreeing
  • "You may be right that I don't understand everything about this situation. Can you explain it from your perspective?"

Addressing Sensitive Topics

Tactful Approaches

• Frame sensitive questions in neutral and non-judgmental manner
  • Instead of "Why did you choke in the final game?" ask "Can you walk me through your experience of the final moments of the game?"
• Develop techniques for gradually approaching controversial topics
  • Use "cushion method" prefaces difficult questions with context or softer inquiries
  • Example: "The team has faced some challenges this season. How have these affected team dynamics?"
• Recognize cultural sensitivities and tailor language and approach accordingly when discussing controversial subjects
  • Research cultural norms and taboos before international interviews
  • Use culturally appropriate language and analogies

Ethical Considerations

• Utilize open-ended questions allow interviewees more control over how they address sensitive topics
  • "How would you describe the impact of the recent scandal on the team?"
• Implement "acknowledgment and pivot" technique respectfully addresses interviewee's discomfort while maintaining focus on subject matter
  • "I understand this is a difficult topic. How do you think it's affected your performance on the field?"
• Understand ethical considerations surrounding discussion of traumatic or deeply personal experiences in interviews
  • Provide trigger warnings before discussing potentially traumatic events
  • Offer breaks or option to skip certain questions
• Develop strategies for maintaining objectivity while showing appropriate empathy when discussing emotionally charged topics
  • Use neutral language while acknowledging emotions: "This clearly evokes strong feelings. Can you explain why this is so significant to you?"

Recognizing Interviewee Boundaries

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Understand legal and ethical boundaries surrounding interview subjects' right to privacy and consent
  • Obtain clear consent for recording and publication of interview
  • Respect requests for anonymity or confidentiality
• Implement techniques for clarifying and confirming agreed-upon scope and limitations of interview before and during conversation
  • Discuss and agree on off-limits topics beforehand
  • Respect interviewee's right to decline answering specific questions
• Understand concept of "off the record" information and ethical implications of using such information in reporting
  • Clearly define what "off the record" means with interviewee
  • Develop strategies for corroborating off-the-record information through other sources

Reading and Respecting Cues

• Develop skills in reading verbal and non-verbal cues indicate interviewee's discomfort or unwillingness to discuss certain topics
  • Watch for signs of physical discomfort (fidgeting, avoiding eye contact)
  • Listen for verbal cues (hesitation, change in tone, brief or evasive answers)
• Recognize potential impact of power dynamics between interviewer and interviewee on willingness to share information
  • Be aware of potential intimidation when interviewing less experienced or younger athletes
  • Understand how gender, race, or cultural differences may affect interview dynamics
• Develop strategies for respectfully probing reasons behind interviewee's reluctance to share certain information without applying undue pressure
  • Ask open-ended questions about comfort level: "How do you feel about discussing this topic?"
  • Offer alternative ways to address sensitive issues: "Would you be more comfortable discussing this in general terms rather than personal experiences?"
• Understand importance of building trust and rapport with interviewees encourages more open and honest communication within ethical boundaries
  • Start with lighter, rapport-building questions before delving into more serious topics
  • Show genuine interest in interviewee's perspective and experiences