Interviewing Notes

Where to begin?

-choose 3 interviewees

-schedule interviews (24+ hours in advance)

-give a "heads up" to interviewees

-conduct background research

-write interview questions (10-15)


Why prepare questions?

-it's your job!

-1st impressions

-nervous, unexpected circumstances

-higher quality questions-preparation is a guide, not a limitation


Holy Trinity of interviewing

-anecdote

-revealing quote

-portraiture anecdote

-a breif story told by interviewee

-usually paraphrased by writer

-entertaining

-paints a picture for readerrevealing quote

-said by interviewee-gives reader insight to personality

-unique to the intervieweeportraiture

-description created by writer

-based on observations of interviewee

-relevant to the topic
-ex. what they're doing, wearing, how they're feeling, etc.preparation payoff

-varying types for various purposes

-to relax, gain trust, show genuine interest

-interviewees who trust you will talk and talk and talk


Types of questions

1. Opener: beginning question/remark; establish a rapport.

"Oh, cute pictures. are those your children?" - gets them relaxed and talking.

2. First step: asks about the topic.

"I wanted to talk to you about the upcoming fundraiser. Would you tell me exactly what you're doing?"

3. Qualifier: find out if source if qualified.

"What is your role in the fundraising efforts?"

4. Routine factual: 5 W's & H.

"Who is on the committee? When will the fundraiser be?"

5. Numerical: statistical information.

"How many years have you had this fundraiser? How much money do you hope to raise?"

6. G-O-S-S-E-Y: a way to ask deeper questions; goals, obstacles, solutions, start, evaluation, why.

7. Responder: clarification

"Would you explain what you mean? I'm not sure I understood."

8. Soliciting a quote: a specific question

"Tell me exactly what your hope for is this fundraiser." then... "Do I have this down right?"

9. Soliciting an anecdote: prompts a short story

"What has been the most memorable aspect of this process?"

10. Imaginative: strays from the routine

"Does your team have any superstitions?"

11. Grenade!!!!: difficult questions.

"Some people say you favor certain players. Would you comment on this?"

Recovering from grenade: a neutral question.

"Any last minute strategies to work on before the game?"


Concluding the interview.

"Thank you..."

Sign documentation sheet

Further questions...


BEWARE!!!!

Not everybody is a good interviewee

Plan ahead... unforseen circumstances