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Interviewing Techniques for Journalists
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Open-ended Questions
Purpose: To elicit detailed responses and encourage interviewees to expand on their answers. Effectively used by giving the interviewee the freedom to express their thoughts without constraints.
Leading Questions
Purpose: To subtly direct the interviewee's response in a particular direction. Effectively used with caution to explore a presumption or to steer the interview back on topic.
Silence
Purpose: To give the interviewee time to think and often to prompt them to continue speaking or provide more information. Effectively used strategically to allow the interviewee's answer to probe deeper.
Follow-up Questions
Purpose: To delve deeper into a topic after an initial response and to clarify any points that are unclear. Effectively used to show engagement and ensure comprehensive understanding.
Clarification Questions
Purpose: To clear up any confusion or misunderstandings about previous statements. Effectively used to ensure the journalist and audience are on the same page as the interviewee.
Hypothetical Questions
Purpose: To encourage the interviewee to think beyond the present situation and speculate about different scenarios. Effectively used to reveal values, priorities, and hypothetical decision-making processes.
Background or Fact-based Questions
Purpose: To collect concrete, factual information about a person, place, or event. Effectively used to provide context and grounding for the interview.
Probing Questions
Purpose: To explore a topic more deeply and uncover additional information that might not be volunteered initially. Effectively used after a general response has been given to gain more specific details.
Closed-ended Questions
Purpose: To obtain specific information or confirm details in a clear and concise manner. Effectively used when needing quick and direct answers.
Mirror Questions
Purpose: To reflect the interviewee's last statement, encouraging them to elaborate or clarify. Effectively used to prompt further discussion without introducing new topics.
Emotional Questions
Purpose: To elicit an emotional response and connect the audience to the interviewee's personal experiences. Effectively used to humanize the story and create empathy.
Digging for Details
Purpose: To gather specific information that adds texture and clarity to the story. Effectively used to paint a vivid picture and provide a thorough account.
Neutral Language
Purpose: To avoid leading or biased language that could influence the interviewee's responses. Effectively used to maintain objectivity and ensure that responses are genuine.
Confrontational Questions
Purpose: To challenge the interviewee on contradictions or controversial statements. Effectively used to hold interviewees accountable and provide a balanced perspective.
Confirming Information
Purpose: To verify facts and ensure the accuracy of the information gathered during the interview. Effectively used to avoid misinformation and maintain credibility.
Direct Quotes
Purpose: To obtain an exact wording of the interviewee's thoughts or statements. Effectively used to provide authenticity and accuracy in reporting.
Non-Verbal Cues
Purpose: To read the interviewee's body language and adjust interview strategy accordingly. Effectively used to build rapport and detect discomfort or eagerness to communicate.
Note-taking
Purpose: To record details of the conversation for accuracy in reporting. Effectively used when paired with active listening and when clarifying with the interviewee.
Funnel Sequence
Purpose: To start with broad questions and gradually narrow down to specific issues, guiding the interviewee toward a particular area of focus. Effectively used to organize the interview and build towards a target topic.
Wrapping Up
Purpose: To summarize the main points and give the interviewee a chance to add anything else. Effectively used to ensure nothing important has been missed and to provide a sense of closure.
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