Advance Planning
Research the person you are interviewing, using online or
library archives. That way, you'll know all about them before
you get to the interview. Make a note of any contradictions or
anything you need to have explained. This will give you a few
questions. Fact checking is essential, as you can't assume that
previously published sources have got it right.
Keep A Record
Make sure you have a recording device (with spare batteries
and power cable), a notepad and a couple of pens. Use both the
notepad and the recording device, so you don't come away with
nothing in the event of a technical failure. (link: tools for
writers)
Questions and Queries
Remember to ask the who, what, where, why, when and how of
the story. Avoid questions that allow a yes/no answers and go
for open ended questions instead. You'll get more information
and will start to develop a relationship with your interviewee.
In the end, you'll get a better interview as a result.
Example: If you were interviewing an author, rather than ask
'do you write every day?', ask 'describe a typical writing day
for me'
Time Management
How much time have you been given to do the interview? If
it's less than an hour, then you'll need to get your essential
questions out of the way quickly. If it's an hour or more, you
can take it more slowly. Some people are not used to being
interviewed, and you'll need to start with easy questions until
they relax. This is where the fact-checking questions come in
handy.
Tip: Although you have a list of questions, you don't
have to stick to them in rigid order. If your interviewee goes
off at a tangent, you may get some additional information. Just
be sure you've asked all the essentials before concluding the
interview. Remember to listen to the answers given in case you
need to ask additional questions or change direction.
Two final words of advice. Always make sure you and your
interviewee are clear about what is on or off the record. Don't
be afraid to ask a question you think is silly. Mistakes are
better in person than in print.
Next Steps
Now that you have learned how to conduct a successful
interview, learn how to write a
news story or
feature article.
