How To Interview

Drawing Differences
  • Three drawings presented: focus on identifying differences in features.
    • First drawing has legs.
    • Second drawing features arms.
    • Comparisons emphasize understanding of physical attributes.
Importance of Knowing Your Angle
  • Establishing a clear angle is crucial before interviews or storytelling.
  • Without a defined angle, stories can lack focus and depth.
    • Example: An editor might assign a "football story." A writer should clarify the angle rather than just listing game details.
    • Angle might focus on an assessment of team performances, player motivations, or event planning.
Phase 1: Assigning Stories
  • Editors assign stories with guidance on what the story should encapsulate.
    • Terminology like "this is a story about…" helps frame writer's approach.
  • Give adequate time for research and writing, may require a day to complete.
Phase 2: Understanding the Story
  • Writers must articulate what the story is about clearly and succinctly.
    • Example: "This is a story about student council's trip to Alaska to win student council elections."
Phase 3: Gathering Background Information
  • Writers should research background information to support their story.
    • Recommended sources include:
    • National Student Council website
    • Yearbooks
    • Facebook pages of relevant organizations.
  • Collect pertinent facts related to the event, such as:
    • Date of departure
    • Mode of transport
    • Number of participants.
Phase 4: Identifying Interview Subjects
  • Writers should compile a list of potential interviewees relevant to the story.
    • Interviewees might include:
    • Student council president
    • School principal
    • Participants from previous trips.
  • Importance of multiple sources:
    • Enhances storytelling by providing diverse perspectives,
    • Improves credibility and depth of the story.
    • Some publications incentivize this by offering higher payments for pieces with more sources.
Interview Preparation Categories
  • Writers should develop categories to frame their questions:
    • Upcoming events planned by the student council.
    • Challenges faced during trip organization.
    • Experience of past events/conventions.
  • Categorizing aids reporters in organizing questions, improving the flow of interviews.
Conducting Interviews
  • Beginning the Interview:
    • Start by breaking the ice with simple, engaging questions.
    • Avoid yes/no questions to encourage openness.
    • Instead, use transitional phrases like, "That is correct?" to validate information while allowing the interviewee to elaborate.
  • Avoid Information Overload:
    • Avoid asking questions easily answered by available background research.
  • Effective Note-Taking:
    • Always take notes even if using recording devices; machines can fail.
    • Good for professionalism and understanding.
    • Use shorthand for quicker note-taking but ensure clarity for later reference.
Post-Interview Steps
  • Express gratitude post-interview to build rapport.
  • Review notes immediately to clarify shorthand and extracted quotes.
  • Incorporate feedback from editors and colleagues to refine questions and gather more insights.
Ethical Guidelines
  • Always seek consent before recording.
  • Avoid agreements for "off the record" discussions unless they are a necessity.