Chapter 6

In the chapter intro, What tough lesson did Barbara Walsh

learn when interviewing convicted murderer William R. Horton Jr.?

Why is this lesson important for anyone conducting interviews?

Reporters need details, details, details▪ The key to a good news story is having the

details How do you get the details for a story?▪ Ask police▪ Observation▪ Talk to witnesses

In order to get details you need to have good questions.▪ Think beyond the surface elements and get

creative

This can help get more info from a source Public officials/Celebrities▪ Used to speaking to media often expected to talk

Private individuals▪ May need a more sensitive approach in order to

open up

▪ Even if you identify yourself as a member of media

Listening is very important when interviewing Unless your memory is impeccable▪ It’s best to use a notepad or recorder

Good listening skills will help when▪ Writing quotes▪ Showing interest in subject

Cons of tape recorders Mechanical failure Too much reliance on tapes Can inhibit source Can’t pick up observations▪ A smile, nervous tic, mannerisms, etc

Pros of tape recorders Help with exact wording of quotes Preserve details of controversial topic

Tape recording etiquette Ask 1-2 questions prior to asking about

recorder Place recorder to the side (not in plain

site)

Things to help improve listening skills Focus on the “Hear” and now Practice conversational listening Practice critical listening Be quite Be responsive Listen with your eyes▪ Review more on Page 112

Some tips to help you take good notes Be prepared Concentrate Use key words Develop a shorthand Request repetition Double check▪ More on page 114

Consider your mission▪ The purpose for the interview

Evaluate the information▪ For accuracy, fairness, newsworthiness, etc

Look for facts, good quotes, substantiation▪ Answers to the 5 W’s

Identify your focusResearch the background Identify your goalsPlan your questionsRequest the interviewDress appropriatelyArrive on time

Types of questions Open ended▪ Used to get details and quotes

Closed ended▪ Used to get brief specific answers

Keep questions brief Use simple, one question sentences

The dumb factor▪ Ask questions even if you might know the

answer▪ You can get the answer in source’s words▪ Being thorough isn’t being dumb

Use Icebreakers Plan your first question Put questions in non-threatening order Ask basic & follow up questions▪ More on page 119-121

Be aware of potential graphics when reporting Gather items for graphics dept.▪ Maps, brochures, written material, etc

Locations Chronology of events Statistics Highlights

Advantages Gives source time to think about

responses Saves you from taking notes

Disadvantages Prevents ▪ Spontaneity▪ Good follow up questions▪ Observing sources non-verbals

Limit the number of questions Try not to go past 5

Clarify your purposeVerify the source’s full name and titleLimit your follow up e-mail messagesAttribute to e-mail

A concept to help frame questions for a variety of stories▪ Features, profiles, programs issues

G-Goals▪ Motivation for accomplishments/programs

O-Obstacles▪ Challenges person/program faced

A-Achievements▪ How were goals reached

L-Logistics▪ Steps to get to this point (background)

Guidelines for telephone interviews Identification Icebreakers Length of questions Clarification Specifics Chronology

Source says this is “Off the record”▪ What do you do?

Source says “Don’t use my name”▪ What do you do?

The source starts to cry during interview▪ What do you do?

Source end the interview before you’re done▪ What do you do?

Source gives you false information during interview▪ What do you do?