2.4 Effective Interviewing Techniques
6 min read•august 13, 2024
Effective interviewing is a crucial skill for journalists. It's about more than just asking questions – it's an art that involves research, strategy, and adaptability. Mastering these techniques can lead to richer, more insightful stories.
From crafting thoughtful questions to handling difficult interviewees, this topic covers the essentials of conducting successful interviews. It emphasizes the importance of , tailoring approaches, and accurately capturing information to create compelling news stories.
Crafting Effective Interview Questions
Conducting Thorough Research
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- Thorough research on the interviewee's background, expertise, and relevant topics is essential for crafting insightful questions that yield valuable information
- Familiarizing oneself with the interviewee's previous work, public statements, or publications helps identify areas for deeper exploration (published articles, social media posts, prior interviews)
- Investigating the broader context surrounding the interview topic, such as current events, industry trends, or historical background, provides a foundation for more nuanced questioning
- Consulting with colleagues or experts in the field can offer fresh perspectives and help identify key aspects to address in the interview
Structuring Questions Strategically
- Questions should be open-ended, encouraging the interviewee to provide detailed responses rather than simple yes or no answers
- Structuring questions in a logical sequence helps maintain a coherent flow throughout the interview, building upon previous answers and exploring deeper aspects of the topic
- Beginning with broader, more general questions and gradually narrowing the focus allows for a natural progression and helps establish rapport with the interviewee
- Anticipating potential based on the interviewee's responses allows for a more dynamic and adaptive interview process
- Tailoring questions to the specific interviewee and their unique perspective or experience can lead to more personalized and engaging content (asking a scientist about their research methodology, inquiring about a politician's stance on a specific policy issue)
Active Listening for Information
Demonstrating Engagement
- Maintaining eye contact, nodding, and using appropriate facial expressions demonstrate engagement and encourage the interviewee to share more information
- Providing verbal cues, such as "mm-hmm" or "I see," shows active participation and encourages the interviewee to continue their thought process
- Leaning forward slightly and maintaining an open posture conveys interest and receptiveness to the interviewee's responses
- Avoiding distractions, such as checking one's phone or glancing at notes too frequently, ensures the interviewer remains fully present and focused on the conversation
Facilitating Deeper Understanding
- Avoiding interruptions and allowing the interviewee to complete their thoughts shows respect and allows for the full development of ideas
- Paraphrasing or summarizing key points ensures accurate understanding and provides opportunities for clarification or elaboration ("So, what you're saying is...")
- Noting non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice, can provide additional context and insight into the interviewee's responses (a hesitant pause, a raised eyebrow, a shift in vocal pitch)
- Asking follow-up questions based on the interviewee's answers demonstrates attentiveness and helps uncover deeper layers of information ("Can you tell me more about that experience?" or "How did that event shape your perspective on the issue?")
Adapting Interview Styles
Tailoring Approach to the Interviewee
- Adjusting the tone and formality of questions based on the interviewee's position, expertise, or relationship to the topic ensures a more comfortable and productive interaction (using technical jargon with an expert, employing a more conversational tone with a layperson)
- Being sensitive to the interviewee's emotional state or potential discomfort with certain topics, and adapting the approach accordingly (treading lightly when discussing a traumatic event, offering breaks or support as needed)
- Building rapport through small talk or finding common ground before delving into more serious or complex topics can create a more relaxed and open atmosphere
Employing Diverse Questioning Techniques
- Using a mix of direct and indirect questioning techniques can help elicit both factual information and personal opinions or experiences (asking "What happened during the incident?" versus "How did you feel when the incident occurred?")
- Employing hypothetical or scenario-based questions can encourage interviewees to think critically and provide insightful responses ("If you were in charge of implementing this policy, what would be your first steps?")
- Recognizing when to use closed-ended questions for specific details or confirmation, and when to use for more expansive responses (verifying a date or figure, inviting an interviewee to share their story in their own words)
- Utilizing silence strategically, allowing the interviewee time to reflect or elaborate on their answers, can yield more thoughtful and detailed responses
Handling Difficult Interviewees
Maintaining Professionalism
- Maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor, even in the face of hostility or evasiveness, helps keep the interview on track and productive
- Avoiding emotional reactions or arguments, and instead focusing on the facts and the purpose of the interview, demonstrates professionalism and objectivity
- Acknowledging the interviewee's concerns or reservations and addressing them directly can build trust and encourage more open communication ("I understand this is a sensitive topic, but your perspective is valuable for our readers.")
- Setting clear expectations for the interview's purpose and scope at the outset can minimize misunderstandings or uncooperative behavior (explaining the article's focus, the expected duration of the interview, and how the information will be used)
Navigating Challenging Situations
- Rephrasing questions or approaching the topic from a different angle can help break through resistance or reluctance to share information (asking about the impact of an event rather than the event itself, focusing on lessons learned rather than assigning blame)
- Offering alternative ways to share information, such as off-the-record comments or written statements, may encourage more openness from hesitant interviewees
- Knowing when to persist with a line of questioning and when to move on to other topics demonstrates adaptability and respect for the interviewee's boundaries (recognizing when an interviewee is becoming agitated or unresponsive, shifting the conversation to a less contentious aspect of the topic)
- Seeking clarification or examples when an interviewee provides vague or evasive answers can help pin down more specific and meaningful responses ("Can you provide an example of a situation where that approach was effective?")
Accurate Transcription of Interviews
Ensuring Reliable Recording
- Using reliable recording devices and ensuring proper functioning prior to the interview is crucial for capturing the full content of the conversation (testing batteries, checking sound quality, bringing backup devices)
- Choosing a quiet, distraction-free environment for the interview minimizes background noise and ensures clearer audio quality for
- Informing the interviewee that the conversation is being recorded and obtaining their consent protects both parties and ensures transparency
- Having a backup method for capturing the interview, such as taking detailed notes, safeguards against potential technical failures
Transcribing and Organizing Content
- Taking brief notes during the interview can help highlight key points, quotes, or follow-up questions for later reference
- Transcribing the interview verbatim, including pauses, filler words, and non-verbal cues, provides a comprehensive record for accurate reporting (noting laughter, sighs, or long pauses that may convey additional meaning)
- Double-checking the accuracy of transcriptions against the original recording ensures the integrity of the information being used in the story
- Organizing and labeling interview materials, such as recordings, notes, and transcriptions, facilitates efficient retrieval and use in the writing process (creating a system for naming files, using timestamps to mark important sections of the audio)
- Storing interview materials securely and backing them up regularly protects against loss or damage and ensures the longevity of the information gathered
Key Terms to Review (18)
Active Listening: Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully focusing, understanding, responding, and remembering what the speaker is saying. It goes beyond just hearing the words; it requires engagement and interaction with the speaker to ensure a meaningful conversation. This technique is essential for building rapport and trust during interviews, allowing reporters to gather deeper insights and information.
Audio recording: Audio recording is the process of capturing sound waves and converting them into a digital or analog format for playback or editing. This technique is crucial in journalism as it ensures accuracy and allows for the preservation of interviews, speeches, or other audio events, making it easier to reference and quote sources accurately in reporting.
Bias: Bias refers to a tendency to favor one perspective, group, or outcome over others, often leading to unfair treatment or skewed representation. In the context of effective interviewing techniques, understanding bias is crucial as it can influence how questions are framed, the selection of interview subjects, and the interpretation of responses. Awareness of personal and systemic biases can help reporters maintain objectivity and provide balanced coverage.
Confidentiality: Confidentiality refers to the ethical principle of keeping information private and ensuring that it is not disclosed without permission. This concept is critical in journalism, as reporters often rely on sensitive information from sources who may fear repercussions. Upholding confidentiality fosters trust, encourages sources to speak freely, and protects individuals from potential harm or backlash.
Debriefing: Debriefing is the process of reviewing and discussing an interview after it has taken place, focusing on the information gathered, the techniques used, and the overall effectiveness of the interaction. This practice helps reporters identify strengths and weaknesses in their interviewing skills, as well as reflect on how they can improve future interviews. Additionally, it allows journalists to analyze the responses received and assess whether they have obtained the necessary information for their reporting.
Developing an interview guide: Developing an interview guide refers to the process of creating a structured framework or set of questions designed to facilitate effective communication during an interview. This guide helps interviewers stay focused, ensure consistency, and gather relevant information while allowing for flexibility in the conversation. A well-crafted interview guide enhances the quality of the interview by promoting clarity and depth in responses.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, allowing for a deeper connection and insight into their experiences. This emotional understanding is crucial in effective communication, as it fosters trust and openness, enabling individuals to express their thoughts and emotions more freely. In the context of interviewing, empathy can significantly enhance the quality of interaction between the interviewer and interviewee, leading to more meaningful and authentic conversations.
Evaluating responses: Evaluating responses refers to the process of critically analyzing the information provided by interview subjects during an interview. This involves assessing the clarity, relevance, and reliability of the answers given, as well as understanding the context in which they were provided. Effective evaluation is crucial for distinguishing valuable insights from misleading or irrelevant information, helping to ensure that the resulting story is accurate and comprehensive.
Follow-up questions: Follow-up questions are inquiries made during an interview that build on the answers previously given by the interviewee. They serve to deepen understanding, clarify points, and elicit more detailed information, making them essential for effective interviewing. By encouraging interviewees to elaborate, follow-up questions can reveal insights that might not surface from initial responses.
Informal Interview: An informal interview is a casual conversation between a journalist and a source that occurs outside of a structured interview setting. These conversations can happen anywhere and often feel more relaxed, allowing for a natural exchange of ideas and information. Because the tone is less rigid, informal interviews can lead to unexpected insights and help build rapport between the journalist and the source.
Informed Consent: Informed consent is the process by which individuals are fully educated about the details, risks, and implications of participating in a study or providing information before they agree to participate. This concept is crucial in journalism, ensuring that sources understand how their information will be used and any potential consequences. It fosters transparency and trust between reporters and sources, making it an essential part of ethical reporting, especially in sensitive areas like health and science.
Leading Questions: Leading questions are inquiries designed to guide the respondent toward a particular answer or to suggest a specific conclusion. These questions often contain assumptions or implications that influence the direction of the conversation, making it easier for the interviewer to obtain desired information. In effective interviewing, understanding how to use leading questions appropriately can help in obtaining clear and concise responses while also being aware of potential bias they may introduce.
Open-ended questions: Open-ended questions are inquiries that allow respondents to answer in their own words, providing more detailed and expansive responses rather than simple 'yes' or 'no' answers. These types of questions encourage deeper conversation and insight, making them particularly useful in gathering rich information during interviews.
Rapport building: Rapport building is the process of establishing a positive and trusting relationship between an interviewer and their subject, which is essential for effective communication. It involves creating a comfortable environment where subjects feel valued and understood, encouraging them to share more openly. A strong rapport fosters a sense of connection that can lead to more in-depth conversations and better insights during interviews.
Redirecting: Redirecting is a technique used during interviews to guide the conversation back on track when it strays from the main topic or when the interviewee begins to provide irrelevant information. This method helps maintain focus and ensures that essential questions are addressed while allowing for deeper exploration of significant points. It serves as a crucial tool for interviewers to keep the dialogue productive and relevant to the intended narrative.
Researching the Subject: Researching the subject refers to the process of gathering and analyzing information related to a particular topic or individual before conducting an interview. This practice enhances the quality of the conversation, allowing the interviewer to ask informed questions and engage more meaningfully with the interviewee. Understanding the context and background of the subject not only builds credibility but also helps in uncovering deeper insights during the interview process.
Structured Interview: A structured interview is a systematic method of questioning where the interviewer follows a predetermined set of questions, allowing for consistency and reliability in the data collected. This format helps ensure that all interviewees are asked the same questions in the same order, which aids in comparing responses across different subjects. It is particularly useful for obtaining specific information and maintaining focus during the conversation.
Transcription: Transcription is the process of converting spoken language from interviews or recordings into written text. This practice is crucial in journalism as it ensures accuracy and preserves the original context and nuances of the conversation, making it easier to quote sources and verify information later on.