Chapter 7

 In the chapter intro,  What tough lesson did Barbara Walsh learn when interviewing convicted murderer William R. Horton Jr.?

 Why is this lesson important for anyone conducting interviews?

 Reporters need details, details, details ▪ The key to a good news story is having the details  How do you get the details for a story?

▪ Ask police ▪ Observer ▪ Talk to witnesses  In order to get details you need to have good questions.

▪ Think beyond the surface elements and get creative

 This can help get more info from a source  Public officials/Celebrities ▪ Used to speaking to media often expected to talk  Private individuals ▪ May need a more sensitive approach in order to open up ▪ Even if you identify yourself as a member of media

 Listening is very important when interviewing  Unless your memory is impeccable ▪ It’s best to use a notepad or recorder  Good listening skills will help when ▪ Writing quotes ▪ Showing interest in subject

 Cons of tape recorders  Mechanical failure  Too much reliance on tapes  Can inhibit source  Can’t pick up observations ▪ A smile, nervous tic, mannerisms, etc

 Pros of tape recorders  Help with exact wording of quotes  Preserve details of controversial topic  Tape recording etiquette  Ask 1-2 questions prior to asking about recorder  Place recorder to the side (not in plain site)

 Things to help improve listening skills  Focus on the “Hear” and now  Practice conversational listening  Practice critical listening  Be quite  Be responsive  Listen with your eyes ▪ Review more on Page 112

 Some tips to help you take good notes  Be prepared  Concentrate  Use key words  Develop a shorthand  Request repetition  Double check ▪ More on page 114

 Consider your mission ▪ The purpose for the interview  Evaluate the information ▪ For accuracy, fairness, newsworthiness, etc  Look for facts, good quotes, substantiation ▪ Answers to the 5 W’s

       Identify your focus Research the background Identify your goals Plan your questions Request the interview Dress appropriately Arrive on time

 Types of questions  Open ended ▪ Used to get details and quotes   Closed ended ▪ Used to get brief specific answers Keep questions brief  Use simple, one question sentences

 The dumb factor ▪ Ask questions even if you might know the answer ▪ ▪ You can get the answer in source’s words Being thorough isn’t being dumb  Use Icebreakers  Plan your first question  Put questions in non-threatening order  Ask basic & follow up questions ▪ More on page 119-121

 Be aware of potential graphics when reporting  Gather items for graphics dept.

▪ Maps, brochures, written material, etc  Locations  Chronology of events  Statistics  Highlights

 Advantages  Gives source time to think about responses   Saves you from taking notes Disadvantages  Prevents ▪ Spontaneity ▪ Good follow up questions ▪ Observing sources non-verbals

     Limit the number of questions  Try not to go past 5 Clarify your purpose Verify the source’s full name and title Limit your follow up e-mail messages Attribute to e-mail

     A concept to help frame questions for a variety of stories ▪ Features, profiles, programs issues G-Goals ▪ Motivation for accomplishments/programs O-Obstacles ▪ Challenges person/program faced A-Achievements ▪ How were goals reached L-Logistics ▪ Steps to get to this point (background)

 Guidelines for telephone interviews  Identification  Icebreakers  Length of questions  Clarification  Specifics  Chronology

 Source says this is “Off the record” ▪ What do you do?

 Source says “Don’t use my name” ▪ What do you do?

 The source starts to cry during interview ▪ What do you do?

 Source end the interview before you’re done ▪ What do you do?

 Source gives you false information during interview ▪ What do you do?