Conducting successful interviews is an important skill for journalists, as it allows them to gather information and tell compelling stories. To conduct a successful interview, it is essential to have strong research and preparation skills, as well as effective questioning techniques. In this article, we will cover the skills needed to conduct successful interviews.
Research and Preparation:
The first step in conducting a successful interview is to conduct thorough research and preparation. This includes researching the topic or person being interviewed, as well as developing a list of questions that will guide the interview.
To research the topic or person being interviewed, it is important to gather as much information as possible. This can include reviewing relevant articles, reports, and other sources of information. It is also important to consider the perspective of the person being interviewed and understand their background and experiences.
Once the research is complete, it is important to prepare a list of questions that will guide the interview. The questions should be open-ended and designed to elicit detailed responses. It is also important to consider the tone and structure of the interview and tailor the questions accordingly.
Questioning Techniques:
Effective questioning techniques are essential for conducting a successful interview. The following are some key techniques to keep in mind:
- Open-Ended Questions: Open-ended questions are designed to elicit detailed responses from the interviewee. These questions typically begin with “what,” “how,” “why,” or “tell me about.”
- Follow-Up Questions: Follow-up questions are designed to clarify or expand upon the interviewee’s responses. These questions can include “can you provide more detail about that?” or “can you give an example?”
- Probing Questions: Probing questions are designed to encourage the interviewee to provide more information or elaborate on a topic. These questions can include “can you tell me more about that?” or “how did you feel about that experience?”
- Neutral Questions: Neutral questions are designed to avoid leading the interviewee in a particular direction. These questions can include “can you describe your experience?” or “what happened next?”
Conclusion:
Conducting successful interviews requires strong research and preparation skills, as well as effective questioning techniques. By gathering thorough research, preparing a list of open-ended questions, and using effective questioning techniques, journalists can gather the information they need to tell compelling stories. With practice and experience, these skills can be honed and perfected, allowing journalists to conduct interviews that inform and engage their audiences.
