The first step in writing a story is to gather information through reporting. Ask questions that can be answered with quotable material, not just "yes" or "no." Try to take down as many direct quotes as possible. But this is not all you are looking for in the interview. You also are looking for the following items:
Information:
* Books and magazines are OK for looking up facts and figures, but by the time they're in print they are dated. You will be a better writer if you use information that has never been published anywhere before and is from a local authority on the subject.
Anecdotes:
* Exciting writing is built on exciting anecdotes, so the interviewer is always listening for them. A really sharp interviewer also listens for clues to experiences that could make lively anecdotes. Then the interviewer directs the subject to "give me an example" or "tell me about a time when that actually happened." Often an anecdote will illustrate something about the interviewee such as his/her loyalty, bravery, persistence, determination or a quality which a "little story" can illustrate. These must be carefully "mined." Here the interviewer is looking for examples of especially successful work by the interviewee or "boo-boos." We are looking at a single person, warts and all.
* Observe nonverbals, body gestures, facial expressions, paralanguage (the way something is said), artifacts (what the person is wearing), movement of the interviewee. About 70 percent of total communication is nonverbal. Thus, if you are to tell the complete story, you must provide the reader with the complete picture.
The telephone interview does not allow description, but it is an important tool in your reporter's toolbox
* In a telephone interview, you must be prepared with a set of questions. But don't be a slave to those questions. Make sure you have identified yourself and your publication so the interviewee will feel comfortable. Some answers may bring up additional questions.
* Speak clearly and slowly and make sure the interview subject understands the questions. Ask open-ended questions that can not be answered with "yes" or "no." Take notes rapidly; develop a shorthand to do so. At the end of the interview, be sure to ask if you can call back later to clarify things and if so what time the interview subject will be available.
* Bulletin boards, desk tops, pictures on the wall, file cabinets, etc., How does the sunlight stream into the room? And how does all this relate to the interviewee? DON'T USE DESCRIPTION JUST FOR THE SAKE OF USING DESCRIPTION It should have some connection to the person and his/her environment. Direct quotes should be used: if the interviewee's language usage is particularly picturesque or when it is important for written information especially interpretive information ? to come from an obviously authoritative voice. You must make sure the reader KNOWS the interviewee is an authority. They may be used to answer the questions "why, how or so what." Use a direct quote after a summary statement or paraphrase that needs amplification, verification or example.
5 basics of interviewing and note-taking
And here are the full 12 tips, from Roy Peter Clark: http://bit.ly/poyntertips
Posted by Poynter on Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Back to Mass Media Stuff -- stuff I have collected over 28 1/2 years of teaching a beginning mass media course in journalism-photography at San Antonio College
