Interviewing techniques

Definition

Interviewing techniques are the strategies and methods used to conduct effective interviews in order to gather information, insights, and quotes from sources. These techniques can range from developing rapport with the interviewee to utilizing open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses, which are essential for investigative journalism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Establishing trust and building rapport with the interviewee is crucial for eliciting honest and comprehensive answers.
2. Effective interviewing techniques can significantly impact the quality of information gathered, influencing the outcome of an investigation.
3. Using a mix of structured and unstructured approaches can help journalists adapt to the flow of conversation while still covering key topics.
4. Being aware of non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, can provide additional context to the interviewee's verbal responses.
5. Practicing patience and allowing pauses in conversation can lead to more thoughtful responses from interviewees, revealing deeper insights.

Review Questions

• How do open-ended questions enhance the interviewing process in investigative journalism?
  • Open-ended questions enhance the interviewing process by encouraging interviewees to share more detailed and nuanced information. Unlike closed questions that limit responses, open-ended questions invite elaboration and storytelling, which can reveal critical insights and context necessary for investigative reporting. This technique allows journalists to uncover deeper layers of information that might otherwise remain hidden.
• Discuss how active listening can affect the quality of an interview and the information obtained from sources.
  • Active listening is vital in interviews as it demonstrates genuine interest and respect towards the interviewee. When journalists engage in active listening, they are better able to understand nuanced answers and pick up on important details that may require follow-up questions. This practice fosters a more open dialogue, leading to richer conversations and ultimately higher quality information for investigative journalism.
• Evaluate the importance of combining various interviewing techniques in investigative journalism and how this can impact the success of an investigation.
  • Combining various interviewing techniques is essential for investigative journalism as it creates a versatile approach to gathering information. By integrating open-ended questions, active listening, and follow-up inquiries, journalists can adapt their style to each interviewee’s unique communication preferences. This flexibility not only builds rapport but also enhances the depth and reliability of the information collected, ultimately impacting the overall success of an investigation by ensuring that all relevant angles are explored.

Related terms

Open-ended questions: Questions that cannot be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no', encouraging the interviewee to provide more detailed and expansive responses.

Active listening: The practice of fully concentrating on what the interviewee is saying, understanding their message, responding thoughtfully, and retaining the information shared.

Follow-up questions: Additional questions asked based on the interviewee's responses that delve deeper into specific topics or clarify points made during the conversation.