Interviews

Definition

Interviews are structured conversations where a person asks questions to gather information, opinions, or insights from another individual. They are essential in various fields, particularly in journalism, as they help uncover facts and stories through direct communication with sources, allowing for deeper understanding and nuanced narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Effective interviews require thorough preparation, including researching the interviewee and developing a list of targeted questions to guide the conversation.
2. Active listening is crucial during interviews as it allows the interviewer to pick up on verbal and non-verbal cues, fostering a more engaging and informative discussion.
3. Follow-up questions are essential for digging deeper into responses, often revealing unexpected insights and adding depth to the information gathered.
4. Building rapport with interviewees can lead to more open and honest conversations, increasing the likelihood of obtaining valuable information.
5. Recording interviews (with permission) can help ensure accuracy in quotes and details, which is critical for producing trustworthy and credible reporting.

Review Questions

• How do active listening techniques enhance the quality of interviews?
  • Active listening techniques significantly enhance the quality of interviews by ensuring that the interviewer fully engages with the interviewee. This involves not only hearing what the interviewee says but also understanding their emotions and intentions behind their words. By practicing active listening, an interviewer can formulate relevant follow-up questions that encourage deeper exploration of topics, ultimately leading to richer and more informative discussions.
• In what ways do follow-up questions contribute to the overall effectiveness of an interview?
  • Follow-up questions play a critical role in the effectiveness of an interview by allowing interviewers to probe deeper into initial responses. These questions can clarify ambiguous statements or explore specific points that may require further elaboration. By using follow-up questions strategically, interviewers can uncover more detailed information and gain insights that enhance the narrative or story being developed.
• Evaluate the importance of rapport-building in interviews and how it impacts the information gathered.
  • Building rapport in interviews is essential because it establishes trust between the interviewer and interviewee, which can significantly impact the quality of information exchanged. When interviewees feel comfortable and respected, they are more likely to share candid thoughts and personal experiences. This openness can lead to richer narratives and valuable insights that would otherwise remain undisclosed in a less trusting environment. Thus, effective rapport-building can be seen as a foundation for successful interviews.

Related terms

Open-ended Questions: Questions that allow respondents to provide more elaborate answers, encouraging detailed responses rather than simple 'yes' or 'no' answers.

Follow-up Questions:

Questions that arise from the initial responses during an interview, aimed at clarifying or expanding on the information provided.

Active Listening:

The practice of fully concentrating on the speaker, understanding their message, responding thoughtfully, and remembering key points during an interaction.