| Due to the enormous variety in writing styles it is | | | | are very interested in the subject matter and could |
| important to have some idea of what you should do if | | | | continue to talk about it long past the predetermined |
| you are called upon to conduct an interview for the | | | | end of the conversation. If you wind up with too few |
| purpose of compiling a print story. | | | | questions, the interviewee may feel that they are |
| The best interviews happen when you can conduct | | | | boring you. |
| the discussion in a fashion that allows the person you | | | | If you are the only person that will be interviewing the |
| are interviewing to feel as if they are simply sitting | | | | guest make sure to keep the conversation light initially |
| down to a cup of coffee with someone who is | | | | allowing the guest to gain a sense of comfort. This skill |
| interested in the issues that they find important. | | | | often results in a much better overall interview. |
| Always remember to conduct adequate research on | | | | Always use a recording device so there should be no |
| the individual and topic so your questions will strike a | | | | excuse for a misquote and always make sure your |
| chord with the person you are interviewing. NEVER | | | | cell phone is turned off. If there are any interruptions |
| ask questions that simply require a 'yes' or 'no' | | | | make sure it is the interviewers choice to be |
| response. It may be easy to fall into this trap, but it | | | | interrupted. Be sure to take notes throughout the |
| provides little in the way of substance for your article. | | | | interview, it helps organize your thoughts and points |
| Bad Question | | | | back to quotes you'd like to use - it also allows the |
| Have you been interested in thermodynamics all your | | | | guest to see that you are interested in the |
| life? | | | | conversation. Always check your guest's assertions |
| Good Question | | | | after the fact to ensure that the truth is presented well. |
| How did you decide to get involved in the study of | | | | Often a guest will consent to an interview if they |
| thermodynamics? | | | | believe it can further their agenda so use modest |
| In the first case the respondent can get by with a yes | | | | skepticism and common sense in conducting the |
| or no response, but in the second it will require a more | | | | interview and in your article construction. |
| thoughtful and quotable response. | | | | In most cases is advisable to gain an opposing opinion |
| Always come to the interview with many more | | | | to provide balanced coverage of the topic unless the |
| questions than you expect to be able to ask. This will | | | | article is specifically about the individual and less about |
| leave the person you interview with the belief that you | | | | a topic. |