Interviewing people is the most basic part of reporting, but it remains a wonderful opportunity to make a complete idiot out of yourself. Here is some advice four journalists offered “the art of interviewing” at Georgetown University this weekend.
1. Ask basic questions
Jamie Dupree is a proponent of simple questions. When covering Congress for Cox Radio, he says he often asks questions like “What’s this all about?” Getting too detailed allows interviewees to wiggle their way out of a straight-forward answer, he says. Another tip: At the end of the interview, circle back to the basic question you started with. “So, bottom line, this means the bill is dead?” Dupree used as an example. By now, you’ve talked to the person for a couple minutes and you’re both clear on the details, so this question allows them to sum up their position. “They’ll give you a better quote,” Dupree says.
2. Don’t be afraid to tell people what you need
Dupree recalled one female reporter who would tell officials she needed a quote of under 10 second that didn’t use the words “today” or “tomorrow” – it might seem like a bold request, but resulted in great quotes. For less experienced interview subjects, asking someone to answer in complete sentences is just fine, the journalists said.
