Interviewing

Definition

Interviewing is the process of engaging in a conversation with individuals to gather information, insights, or opinions. It is a fundamental skill in journalism, allowing reporters to extract valuable content from sources through effective questioning and active engagement. The success of an interview relies on the interviewer’s ability to establish rapport, listen actively, and adapt their approach based on responses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Active listening is crucial in interviewing, as it allows the interviewer to respond appropriately and build trust with the interviewee.
2. An effective interview begins with establishing a comfortable environment for the interviewee, making them feel safe and willing to share information.
3. Interviews can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, depending on the desired outcome and the level of flexibility needed in the conversation.
4. The interviewer must be prepared to adapt their questions based on the flow of the conversation and the responses given by the interviewee.
5. Interviews can be conducted in various formats, including face-to-face, over the phone, or via video conferencing, each with its own set of challenges and advantages.

Review Questions

• How does active listening enhance the effectiveness of interviewing?
  • Active listening enhances interviewing by allowing the interviewer to fully understand and engage with the interviewee's responses. It fosters a connection that encourages openness and honesty, leading to richer information exchange. By demonstrating genuine interest through eye contact and verbal affirmations, interviewers can create an atmosphere where interviewees feel comfortable sharing their insights.
• Discuss the importance of questioning techniques in conducting interviews and how they impact the quality of information gathered.
  • Questioning techniques are vital in interviews as they determine how effectively information is extracted from the interviewee. Open-ended questions encourage detailed responses and foster dialogue, while closed questions can help clarify specific facts. A well-rounded approach that combines both types allows for a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, ultimately leading to more insightful reporting.
• Evaluate the role of follow-up questions in interviews and how they contribute to uncovering deeper insights during the conversation.
  • Follow-up questions play a critical role in interviews by prompting the interviewee to elaborate on their responses or clarify points that may require more detail. This technique not only deepens the interviewer’s understanding but also demonstrates engagement with what is being shared. By effectively using follow-up questions, interviewers can reveal layers of information that may not have been initially addressed, enriching the overall narrative and providing a more nuanced perspective.

Related terms

Questioning Techniques: Strategies used during an interview to elicit detailed and informative responses from the interviewee, including open-ended and closed questions.

Body Language: Non-verbal cues that can influence the dynamics of an interview, such as eye contact, gestures, and posture, which can affect communication and rapport.

Follow-up Questions: Questions posed after an initial response that delve deeper into a topic, encouraging the interviewee to provide more detailed information or clarify points.