Newspaper

Steps to Interviewing

DECIDE ON PURPOSE

1. To report the facts
2. To feature
3. To get support or opposition

DEVELOP QUESTIONS

1. Ask questions, don’t make statements
2. Keep questions simple but avoid yes and no answers
3. Remain neutral
4. Ask only one question at a time
5. If working on a pro/con piece ask pro questions first
6. Develop questions that require some thought
7. Ask more than you think is necessary
8. Ask questions in a logical order
9. Fact to Opinion
10. General to Specific
11. Easy to Difficult

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

1. Identify yourself
2. Decide on appropriate place and time
3. Be prompt and polite

THE INTERVIEW

1. Note reactions of the person you are interviewing
2. Note surroundings (if interesting or important)
3. Notice direction of the interview
4. Keep on track or go where it takes
5. Don’t be nervous or uncomfortable
6. Take accurate notes
7. Ask to make certain you understand
8. Cardinal Sin of reporting “misquoting people”, quotes must be verbatim
9. Check numbers, names, titles, and spellings

SIX WAYS TO ASK QUESTIONS

1. Compare / Contrast--ask for similarities or differences
2. Example / Illustration --ask for a description
3. Criticism --asks about positive first, then be tactful
4. Discussion--ask for a detailed explanation
5. Definition -- ask for a definition
6. Observation--ask for thoughts, feelings, beliefs