How to interview for news stories

Conducting interviews is a crucial part of researching and gathering information for news stories. Here are some tips to help you prepare and conduct effective interviews:

Before the Interview

  1. Research the subject: Learn as much as you can about the person or topic you'll be interviewing. This will help you ask informed questions and show your interest in the subject.
  2. Prepare a list of questions: Develop a list of open-ended questions that will help you gather the information you need. Avoid leading questions or ones that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."
  3. Confirm the interview: Verify the time, date, and location of the interview. Make sure you have the correct contact information and any necessary equipment (e.g., recorder, camera).
  4. Plan your approach: Decide how you'll approach the interview. Will you be asking tough questions or trying to build a rapport with the subject?

During the Interview

  1. Start with an introduction: Begin the interview by introducing yourself, explaining the purpose of the interview, and thanking the subject for their time.
  2. Ask open-ended questions: Encourage the subject to share their thoughts and opinions by asking open-ended questions that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."
  3. Listen actively: Pay attention to what the subject is saying and take notes. This will help you remember important details and follow up with additional questions.
  4. Take notes: Write down key quotes, facts, and observations. This will help you remember the details of the interview and ensure accuracy in your reporting.
  5. Ask follow-up questions: If you don't understand something or need clarification, ask follow-up questions to get more information.
  6. Be respectful and professional: Treat the subject with respect and professionalism. Avoid interrupting or dominating the conversation.

After the Interview

  1. Thank the subject: Express gratitude to the subject for their time and information.
  2. Verify facts: Double-check any facts or quotes you've gathered to ensure accuracy.
  3. Write up the interview: Transcribe the interview and organize the information into a usable format.
  4. Fact-check and verify: Verify any information you've gathered to ensure accuracy and credibility.

Additional Tips

  1. Be prepared for surprises: Interviews can be unpredictable, so be prepared for unexpected questions or topics.
  2. Use a recorder: Consider using a recorder to capture the interview, especially if you're conducting a phone or video interview.
  3. Be mindful of time: Keep the interview on track and avoid going off-topic. Make sure you have enough time to cover all the necessary topics.
  4. Be respectful of the subject's time: Be mindful of the subject's time and schedule. Avoid keeping them longer than necessary or asking too many questions.
  5. Follow up: If you need additional information or clarification, don't hesitate to follow up with the subject.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to conduct effective interviews and gather the information you need to tell compelling news stories.