Pre-interview research

Definition

Pre-interview research is the process of gathering information about an athlete, coach, or team official before conducting an interview. This research helps journalists understand the individual’s background, achievements, and current situation, allowing for more insightful and relevant questions during the interview. By knowing key details, journalists can build rapport and create a more comfortable environment for the interviewee.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Effective pre-interview research can lead to higher-quality interviews by allowing journalists to ask specific and insightful questions tailored to the individual.
2. Understanding an athlete's recent performance trends or personal milestones can help journalists connect with them on a personal level during interviews.
3. Research can uncover potential topics that may be sensitive or controversial, enabling journalists to approach these subjects with care.
4. Gathering statistics, recent news articles, or social media insights can enhance a journalist's perspective, making them better prepared for follow-up questions.
5. Building a foundation of knowledge through pre-interview research fosters trust between journalists and interviewees, encouraging open communication.

Review Questions

• How does pre-interview research enhance the quality of questions asked during an interview?
  • Pre-interview research enhances question quality by equipping journalists with relevant information about the interviewee's background, achievements, and current events. This knowledge allows journalists to ask pointed questions that not only engage the subject but also encourage deeper discussions. When journalists are informed, they can connect topics to the interviewee's experiences, leading to richer narratives.
• Discuss the potential risks of not conducting pre-interview research before interviewing an athlete or coach.
  • Not conducting pre-interview research can lead to superficial questioning and missed opportunities for meaningful dialogue. Journalists might ask irrelevant or repetitive questions, which could frustrate the interviewee and result in uninformative responses. Additionally, without research, journalists risk touching on sensitive subjects inadvertently, potentially damaging relationships with athletes or teams. This lack of preparation can diminish the credibility of the journalist and lead to a less impactful interview.
• Evaluate how pre-interview research contributes to building long-term relationships between journalists and athletes over time.
  • Pre-interview research plays a critical role in fostering long-term relationships between journalists and athletes by establishing trust and mutual respect. When journalists demonstrate knowledge of an athlete's career and personal journey through thorough research, it shows genuine interest and investment in their story. This thoughtful approach often results in more open and honest communication during interviews. As athletes recognize that journalists value their narratives beyond just headlines, they are more likely to engage positively in future interactions, leading to deeper connections.

Related terms

Background Check: The process of investigating an individual's history, including their past performances, personal life, and any notable events that may be relevant to the interview.

Interview Preparation: The overall planning and strategizing that a journalist undertakes to ensure that the interview is effective and meets its objectives.

Contextual Understanding: The awareness of the circumstances surrounding an athlete or team's current situation, which can provide depth to interview questions and responses.