The other night I was watching a movie—a reporter, a scandal…the standard stuff. Except whoever wrote this movie never went on an interview with me. So I thought I’d tell you what they got wrong about interviewing and what it’s like in real life. Or at least in my life!
1. Jumping into the tough stuff – Our movie reporter jumped right into the city government scandal with the first question. If you’re doing an interview, make a friend first. Ask a few easy questions you already know the answers to(yes, questions you where you know the answers!). The person gets comfy chatting with you and you get to observe them since you won’t be scribbling down answers.
2. Meet me at the corner diner – Yes, it’s the standard interview spot if you believe movies. Restaurants are terrible interview spots. First, they’re noisy. Second, some people feel awkward talking when others can overhear. Third, too many distractions…food, waitresses, crying babies…can interrupt a person’s train of thought.
3. Let me get out my notebook – Every reporter whips out his spiral notebook in the movies. Do you know shorthand? Me neither. And people are touchy about you quoting them exactly. You need a recorder also. Actually I use both since you never know when your technology will cut out. You can also use your notebook to record their reactions…he played nervously with his cellphone when he said this, she almost jumped out of her seat when she said that…so you can make the people come alive in the article. Also, you notebook should have every technical word and names spelled correctly. Even something straightforward like John Smith. You just never know.
4. Ah-ha! – How many times have movie reporters surprised a reluctant source in their gym, apartment hallway, office? Maybe you’re the next Woodward or Bernstein on the trail of shifty politicians but most of us aren’t writing about such controversial topics. In my experience most people would love to talk to you. Stalking is not required! People always want publicity for something…their company, their book, their discoveries. And you’re the perfect person to help them get their info to the public. You’ll be surprised. Even the most well
Mark Twain quipped, "Whenever you give an interviewer a fact give him another fact that will contradict it. Then he'll go away with a jumble he can't use at all."
Twain's humorous take on interview skills leaves freelancers wondering about the craft of conferencing. Do unwritten rules exist about securing an expert interview prior to sending a query? What if an interviewee demands to read - and edit - your piece prior to publication?
Check out these interview scenarios and learn how to avoid interview pitfalls.
The scenario: You devise a brilliant idea for an article and now, you're stuck. Is it best to find an expert first or submit the query and then look for a source?
The advice: In my experience, it depends on the story and the publication I'm pitching. But, I have found that if I approach an expert source and explain that the article is in the query stage, they're more than willing to give me enough information so the pitch stands out. Then, if I need additional information once the query gets the green light, I conduct an in depth interview.
The scenario: What's the best way to conduct the interview? Take notes? Type on my mini laptop? Audio record? Videotape?
The advice: It depends. If I'm on a phone interview and at my desk, I'll transcribe throughout the interview. A digital audio recorder works great, but double check battery levels before beginning. I'll never forget the one time I started an interview and the batteries died within 15 minutes. No backups. A three hour interview. With the increase in multimedia in journalism, a video of the interview can be useful, too. Find what works best for you in each situation, and always get permission to audio or video record.
The scenario: You're on a deadline and want to conduct a phone or live interview. Your source wants you to send an email list of questions and will respond "at her earliest convenience."
The advice: This is a tough one because it depends on the window before the clock strikes deadline and you turn in a late assignment. (Remember what happened in school when you handed in late homework?) If I have most of the legwork completed and just need to plug in quotes, I would go ahead and send the email. Try to accommodate your source. But, if I know time is of the essence, I'll explain my position to the interviewee and try to reach a compromise. If the source wants her name included in the article, she usually finds a way to make the process work in her best interest.
The scenario: You locate a wonderful source and she offers a wealth of insight and fantastic quotes. But, she has a new book/magazine article/TV appearance/radio interview coming out that's not on topic and she's hinting at a free publicity plug in your article.
The advice: Tricky situation. What if I need to contact the source again and I haven't mentioned her work? Or, should I risk my professional integrity by promoting a piece of work or appearance unrelated to the topic? Again, the variables dictate the choice, but I focus on work that relates to my subject. (And I haven't lost a source yet!)
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Great tips for the interview process, Jodi!
Especially like the notebook suggestion.
Jodi---This was an entertaining way to give some advice about interviews...connect it to a movie. Thanks for sharing the tips.