Pre-interview

Definition

A pre-interview is the phase before the actual interview where a journalist gathers information and establishes a connection with the subject. This step is crucial for building trust and rapport, as it helps the journalist understand the subject’s background, motivations, and comfort level, which ultimately enhances the quality of the interaction and the resulting story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pre-interviews help set a relaxed tone, making subjects feel more comfortable and willing to share their stories.
2. Gathering background information during pre-interviews allows journalists to tailor their questions to better suit the subject's experiences and perspectives.
3. A successful pre-interview can lead to deeper insights during the actual interview, as subjects may open up more when they feel understood.
4. Establishing trust in a pre-interview often leads to subjects being more candid and sharing more personal or sensitive information.
5. Pre-interviews can also reveal potential biases or angles in the subject's story that need to be handled delicately in subsequent discussions.

Review Questions

• How does conducting a pre-interview contribute to building rapport with subjects?
  • Conducting a pre-interview allows journalists to create a friendly atmosphere where subjects feel safe and respected. By asking preliminary questions and showing genuine interest in the subject’s story, journalists can establish a connection that encourages open communication. This rapport built during the pre-interview phase often leads to more honest and detailed responses during the actual interview.
• In what ways does background research complement the pre-interview process?
  • Background research is essential because it equips journalists with knowledge about the subject's history and context before engaging in conversation. This preparation allows journalists to ask more insightful questions that resonate with the subject's experiences. By integrating background research into the pre-interview process, journalists can enhance their understanding and strengthen their approach to establishing trust.
• Evaluate how effective pre-interviews can impact the overall outcome of a photojournalistic project.
  • Effective pre-interviews can significantly enhance the quality of a photojournalistic project by ensuring that subjects are comfortable and willing to share their narratives. When journalists invest time in understanding their subjects beforehand, they are better positioned to capture authentic moments and emotions through images. Additionally, a strong foundation of trust established during the pre-interview can lead to deeper storytelling that resonates more with audiences, ultimately improving the impact of the work.

Related terms

Rapport: A friendly, harmonious relationship established between the journalist and the subject, allowing for open communication and trust.

Background Research: The process of collecting information about a subject or topic prior to an interview, aiding in asking informed questions and facilitating conversation.

Active Listening: A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, and responding to what the subject is saying during an interview.