TIPS: INTERVIEWING

Failing to prepare, we prepare to fail.

When Milwaukee Journal staffers several years ago discussed interviewing techniques with Paul Salsini, the paper's writing coach, these tips emerged:

  • Research the person and topic in the library. Nothing wrecks an interview faster than a reporter's meager preparation.
  • Write some key questions beforehand.
  • During a breaking-news event, jot down questions to ask later in interviews.
  • In a feature interview, a key question is what motivates people.
  • Establish rapport. Come off as a decent human being.
  • Save three or four crucial questions until the person is relaxed.
  • Persist. Sometimes you must ask the same question several different ways.
  • If interviewee strays, let him or her go. It may be interesting. You can get back on track later.
  • Three excellent questions:
    • What does that mean?
    • Why do you say that?
    • Why do you do things that way?
  • Note what interviewee looks like. Make it part of the interview's mood.
  • Do "investigative listening." Let people talk, and don't dread silence. They'll resume talking, often with greater candor. Watch for oblique messages in their words and body language.
  • People will lie. Don't confront them immediately but keep pecking away. Often people will "clarify" and come clean.
  • If you don't know something about a topic, admit it.
  • Good last question: Is there something important that I have not asked you about?
  • Make your mom happy. Always say thank you after an interview.

SOME OTHER TIPS:

TAPE OR NO TAPE: Reporters disagree on use of the tape recorder. Many use it and like it. Others find it clumsy and chilling to an interview. They detest transcribing. At times, however, a recorder is indispensable (e.g., as backup when interviewing a controversial figure). Best bet: Learn to take notes; use recorder when necessary. Fit the tool to the task.

BE TOUGH BUT NOT DIRTY: Ask questions that dig into issues. Press people on contradictions and discrepancies. But don't simply play "gotcha," trying to embarrass without good cause.