📻Radio Newsroom Unit 5 – Interviewing skills

What's the Point?

• Interviews provide valuable insights, information, and perspectives that enrich radio news stories
• Allow listeners to hear directly from sources, adding credibility and authenticity to the reporting
• Help to humanize complex issues by sharing personal experiences and emotions
• Offer opportunities to ask probing questions and clarify information for the audience
• Bring diverse voices and viewpoints to the forefront, promoting a well-rounded understanding of the topic
• Engage listeners by creating a conversational and dynamic element within the news story
• Provide a platform for newsmakers, experts, and everyday people to share their knowledge and experiences

Key Concepts

• Open-ended questions encourage interviewees to provide detailed and thoughtful responses
  • Avoid yes/no questions that limit the depth of the answer
• Active listening involves paying close attention to the interviewee's responses and using them to guide follow-up questions
• Building rapport with the interviewee helps create a comfortable and trusting environment, leading to more candid responses
• Preparation is essential for conducting effective interviews, including researching the topic and the interviewee's background
• Neutrality requires the interviewer to remain objective and avoid expressing personal opinions or biases
• Sound bites are concise, compelling excerpts from the interview that can be used to enhance the story's impact
• Editing involves selecting the most relevant and powerful portions of the interview to include in the final story

Types of Interviews

• In-person interviews allow for face-to-face interaction and the ability to capture nonverbal cues
• Phone interviews are convenient when distance or time constraints make in-person interviews difficult
• Remote interviews using video conferencing tools (Zoom, Skype) have become increasingly common, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Recorded interviews are conducted in advance and edited later, allowing for more control over the final product
• Live interviews occur in real-time, often during a live radio broadcast, requiring the interviewer to think on their feet
• One-on-one interviews focus on a single interviewee, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of their experiences and perspectives
• Group interviews involve multiple interviewees and can be useful for capturing a range of viewpoints on a topic

Pre-Interview Prep

• Research the topic thoroughly to develop a solid understanding of the context and key issues
• Gather background information on the interviewee, including their expertise, experience, and previous public statements
• Prepare a list of questions that cover the main points you want to address in the interview
  • Organize questions in a logical sequence, starting with broad topics and narrowing down to specific details
• Anticipate potential challenges or sensitive topics that may arise during the interview and plan appropriate ways to address them
• Confirm logistical details with the interviewee, such as the interview time, location, and duration
• Test recording equipment and ensure you have backup options in case of technical difficulties
• Review your questions and goals for the interview to ensure you are well-prepared and focused

During the Interview

• Begin with an introduction that sets the context for the interview and helps the interviewee feel at ease
• Ask open-ended questions that encourage the interviewee to provide detailed and thoughtful responses
• Listen actively to the interviewee's answers and use them to guide follow-up questions
  • Avoid interrupting the interviewee or rushing to the next question
• Maintain a neutral tone and avoid expressing personal opinions or biases
• Use nonverbal cues (nodding, eye contact) to show engagement and encourage the interviewee to continue speaking
• Take brief notes to help you remember key points and ideas for follow-up questions
• Be prepared to adapt your questions based on the interviewee's responses and the natural flow of the conversation
• Wrap up the interview by thanking the interviewee for their time and asking if there is anything else they would like to add

Tech and Tools

• High-quality recording equipment is essential for capturing clear audio
  • Invest in a reliable microphone (Shure SM58, Audio-Technica AT2020) and recording device (Zoom H4n, Tascam DR-40)
• Portable recorders allow for flexibility in recording locations and can serve as a backup to your primary recording setup
• Editing software (Adobe Audition, Pro Tools) is used to select and arrange the most compelling portions of the interview
• Noise-canceling headphones help you monitor audio quality during the interview and identify any potential issues
• Pop filters reduce plosives (hard "p" and "b" sounds) that can create distracting pops in the audio
• Backup batteries and memory cards ensure you can continue recording even if your primary equipment fails
• Video conferencing tools (Zoom, Skype) have become increasingly important for conducting remote interviews

Common Pitfalls

• Failing to prepare adequately can lead to superficial or unfocused interviews that lack depth and insight
• Asking yes/no questions or leading questions can limit the interviewee's responses and bias the interview
• Interrupting the interviewee or rushing to the next question can disrupt the flow of the conversation and prevent valuable insights from emerging
• Failing to listen actively can cause you to miss important points or opportunities for follow-up questions
• Expressing personal opinions or biases can undermine your credibility as an objective journalist
• Technical issues, such as poor audio quality or equipment failure, can ruin an otherwise valuable interview
• Failing to establish rapport with the interviewee can result in guarded or superficial responses

Putting It All Together

• Review your interview recording and select the most compelling and relevant portions to include in your story
• Use sound bites strategically to highlight key points and add depth to your reporting
  • Aim for concise, powerful sound bites that capture the essence of the interviewee's perspective
• Provide context and background information to help listeners understand the significance of the interview content
• Structure your story in a logical and engaging manner, using the interview material to support your narrative arc
• Fact-check any claims or statements made by the interviewee to ensure accuracy in your reporting
• Consider using natural sound or ambient noise from the interview location to create a sense of place and authenticity
• Reflect on the interview process and identify areas for improvement in future interviews
• Seek feedback from colleagues and mentors to refine your interviewing skills and storytelling techniques