UPAR 2017 05 Basic Interviewing
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This document provides guidance on basic interviewing techniques for gathering information for a story. It recommends scheduling an interview in advance, being prepared with questions and supplies, taking accurate notes, clarifying any unclear information, and ensuring all essential details of who, what, when, where, why and how are answered. The document stresses conducting one interview at a time, asking open-ended questions, keeping the focus on the story, and getting permission to follow up. It also notes that a complete story requires more than one source.
UPAR 2017 05 Basic Interviewing
- 2. Objectives: Become familiar with the pieces of information required for a successful story. Become familiar with different techniques for gathering information during an interview.
- 3. ““Never ask a question to which youNever ask a question to which you do not know the answer”do not know the answer”
- 4. Schedule a time to meet the subject – do notdo not be latebe late. Establish, in advance, how much time you expect to need. Have a few questions ready to begin the interview. Be sure to have with you: ▪ Pens/Pencils ▪ Notebook ▪ Voice recorder (as a backup – never as your only source)
- 5. Take complete notes – don’t be afraid to ask someone to slow down or repeat something. Accuracy is important!Accuracy is important! Be sure to clarify any information that you don’t understand – abbreviations or acronyms. Finish notating the answer before asking the next question.
- 6. NameName – First M Last RankRank – Staff Sgt. TitleTitle – platoon sergeant MOSMOS – current and/or previous – full name, not 91B UnitUnit – Company B, 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment Time in serviceTime in service – Guard & other services DeploymentsDeployments – if any HometownHometown Civilian CareerCivilian Career EducationEducation Some info will be used, some may not be. The purpose of these questions is as much about putting the subject at ease and building rapport as it is about gathering story information. This also helps to establish the interviewee as the subject matter expertthe subject matter expert for the story.
- 7. WhoWho is this story about? WhatWhat happened? WhenWhen did the event take place? WhereWhere did the event occur? WhyWhy did it happen? HowHow did it happen? How is the event relevant to the Guard/Military? A story is not complete until all of these questions haveA story is not complete until all of these questions have been answered in the reader’s mind.been answered in the reader’s mind.
- 8. Interview one person at a time (whenever possible) Ask direct, open-ended questions ▪ Avoid Yes or No questions If an answer begins to move away from the focus of the story, be sure to bring the focus back with the next question When you have finished your questions, ask: ““Is there anything else that you’d like to add that we haven’t yet covered?”Is there anything else that you’d like to add that we haven’t yet covered?” Be sure to thank your subject for the time
- 9. Before leaving an interview, be sure to ask: ““Is it okay if I contact you with anyIs it okay if I contact you with any follow-up questions?”follow-up questions?” Obtain a phone number and email address for each interviewee If there are additional questions to be addressed, make contact as soon as possible
- 10. One source is not enough A complete story requires more than one source A source is a subject matter expert or witness to an event Minimum of two interviews Other sources: ▪ Internet (be sure that source is reputable) ▪ Books ▪ Films ▪ Other reference materials
- 11. What are your questions?What are your questions?