How to Conduct a Face to Face Interview for Journalists

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Who - You need to be well informed about your subject and topic.

   Do preliminary research by using numerous sources such as the internet, other people and by reading articles relating to your subject that other journalists have written.
   
   This will enable you to ask knowledgeable and well thought out questions.
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   Step 2: Where - By arranging to meet at your subject's workplace or home the interview setting can provide you with numerous details and visual clues about your interviewee.

   , Define and clarify the purpose of your interview.
   
   Use short, open-ended questions that will encourage your subject to elaborate.
   
   Prepare more questions than you think you will need. , Ask the interviewee for consent before turning on your recorder.
   
   Bring spare batteries. ,,, Introduce yourself and give your subject information about who you work for, why you are conducting the interview and what you hope to gain from it. , Put the person at ease by finding some common ground or interests.
   
   Make sure your body language is open and relaxed. , This will help you build a full and descriptive picture for the reader. , Start with surface questions then slowly delve deeper as rapport is established.
   
   Delay any sensitive questions until you feel that your subject is relaxed and open.
   
   Be assertive and curious but not too invasive or aggressive. ,, If they are waffling, politely redirect the interview with some specific questioning. , Refer back to your notes or questions occasionally to ensure that you are on track. ,,,, This will ensure that you don’t repeat something and end up looking stupid, which could cause your subject to view you in a negative light. , If your subject can’t provide the details you need but knows someone who can, get their information and establish contact straight away. ,, Ask for clarification and details. ,, Don't leave the interview feeling like you could have got more out of it. , Don’t take everything at face value; check your facts, statements and figures before publishing them. ,, Read through them and check to see if there is anything you have missed.
   
   If you need additional detail get in touch with your subject as soon as possible.
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   Step 3: Preparation - Using your background information

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   Step 4: think about an angle that you may want to pursue.

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   Step 5: Recording - Make sure you not only take notes but also use a recording device and/or a video camera depending on the situation.

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   Step 6: Time allowance - Make sure you allow enough time

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   Step 7: and inform your subject that after the interview you may need to be in touch to clarify any facts.

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   Step 8: Look smart – Make sure you dress appropriately depending on the situation

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   Step 9: but even if you are just meeting your subject casually at a cafe it is still a sign of respect to ensure that you are dressed to impress.

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    Step 10: Introductions - Be polite and respectful.

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    Step 11: Establish rapport - Be personable

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    Step 12: natural and respectful.

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    Step 13: Body language – Observe your subject's body language

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    Step 14: facial expression and attire.

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    Step 15: Wise wording – Keep your questions neutral and non-judgemental.

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    Step 16: Be flexible - Don't rely completely on your scripted questions

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    Step 17: if the interviewee says something of interest you may need to pursue a different line of questioning.

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    Step 18: Active listening - Use body language and gesture to encourage the interviewee to continue speaking.

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    Step 19: Focus - Don't lose direction or concentration.

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    Step 20: Transition – Don’t bluntly switch from one topic to another; make your questions flow and your interview will become less rigid and more conversational.

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    Step 21: Probe – Don’t be shy to get out your spade and dig for detail

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    Step 22: as long as you do it with courtesy.

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    Step 23: Be anal – Check and recheck your information

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    Step 24: if the subject talks about other people and places check the spelling of their names etc.

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    Step 25: Be retentive – It’s important to recall what the interviewee has said or how they have responded to a previous question.

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    Step 26: Get specific – Don’t settle for hazy or unclear answers

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    Step 27: get exact and precise details.

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    Step 28: Talk time - Don't try to fill in any gaps in your conversation with irrelevant small talk

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    Step 29: just keep quiet and let your subject elaborate.

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    Step 30: Be Honest - If you don't understand something the interviewee has said don't just let it slide.

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    Step 31: Be moral - Don't try to put words into your subject's mouth or to trick them in any way as this won't be conducive to an honest end result.

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    Step 32: Revisit and reword - if you don't gain a sufficient answer to a question try revisiting the topic and rewording the question.

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    Step 33: Double check – dates

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    Step 34: spelling etc.

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    Step 35: Be timely – Keep to the agreed time.

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    Step 36: Transcribe immediately – Type out your notes and recordings.

Detailed Guide

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