Interviewing

Definition

Interviewing is the process of asking questions to gather information from individuals, often to gain insights, quotes, or context for a news story. It involves creating a rapport with the interviewee and asking both open-ended and specific questions to elicit detailed responses. This technique is crucial in journalism, as it helps reporters uncover the truth and present various perspectives on an issue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Effective interviewing requires preparation, including researching the subject and formulating questions in advance.
2. Establishing a comfortable environment can help the interviewee feel at ease, leading to more candid and informative responses.
3. Active listening is key during interviews; it allows the interviewer to ask follow-up questions based on the interviewee's responses.
4. Journalists must be aware of ethical considerations when interviewing, such as respecting privacy and avoiding coercive tactics.
5. The ability to adapt questions based on the flow of conversation can lead to unexpected insights and richer stories.

Review Questions

• What techniques can a journalist use to prepare for an interview effectively?
  • A journalist can prepare for an interview by conducting thorough research on the subject matter and understanding the background of the interviewee. Formulating open-ended questions helps encourage detailed responses. Additionally, anticipating potential follow-up questions can create a smoother flow during the interview itself. Practicing active listening will allow the journalist to adjust their questions based on the interviewee's answers, fostering a more dynamic conversation.
• Discuss how establishing rapport with an interviewee impacts the quality of information gathered during an interview.
  • Establishing rapport is essential because it builds trust between the journalist and the interviewee. When interviewees feel comfortable and respected, they are more likely to share candid insights and personal experiences. This openness can lead to richer narratives and more meaningful quotes, enhancing the overall quality of the information gathered. A strong connection can also help journalists navigate sensitive topics more effectively.
• Evaluate the ethical considerations a journalist must keep in mind while conducting interviews and how these impact public perception.
  • Ethical considerations are paramount in journalism as they help maintain credibility and integrity. Journalists must ensure they respect an interviewee's privacy and avoid manipulative tactics that could distort their words. Transparency about the purpose of the interview and how information will be used is also critical. Upholding these ethical standards not only protects interviewees but also enhances public trust in journalism as a whole. Violating these principles can lead to negative perceptions of media integrity.

Related terms

Open-ended questions: Questions that require more than a yes or no answer, encouraging the interviewee to provide detailed responses and elaborate on their thoughts.

Background check: A process of investigating a person's history and credentials to verify their identity and credibility, often important before conducting interviews.

Source reliability: An assessment of the trustworthiness and credibility of an information source, which is vital in determining how to use information obtained during interviews.