Think before you interview
If you need to interview a stranger in order to write a story, try these tips.
- Plan a structured conversation to get a person to talk thoughtfully and revealingly about the area you’ve agreed to discuss.
- Do research in advance.
- Focus, focus, focus your questions.
- Listen, listen, listen. S/he may say something more exciting than you thought to ask.
- Ask tough questions to get good answers.
- Check facts after the interview because people make mistakes, misremember and lie.
- Be honest about the publication where the interview will appear.
- Never pretend you’re somebody you’re not.
- If you make promises – length of interview, respecting confidences – stick to them.
- Give subject a chance to expound on this subject. Shut up.
- Plan your attire according to the person and place.
- Anticipate what your readers would want to know.
Use quotations in print and broadcast media
- When they are interesting or surprising.
- When they move the action forward.
- When they are unique, showing the personality of the speaker.
- To substantiate or provide authority.
- To show controversy.
- To show, not tell.
