Find common ground with a friendly conversation.
Chat for a few minutes to establish a friendly feeling between you and your interview subject. This will make him or her more comfortable and open with you. Empathize with the person. Ask him how his week's been. How are classes/work going? Chat about a neutral subject, such as the weather, a recently release movie, something along those lines.
Start with quick, simple background:
Age? DOB?
Parents names, ages, occupations?
Siblings names and ages?
Where from?
Where live now?
Where work? Career plans?
Start getting into deeper questions and issues:
This is the meat of the interview. You're trying to get into your subject's head. Some interview subjects will be very open to this; some will be shut off, some simply won't have much in their heads!! Basically, you're trying to get them to tell you a story and to tell you what drives them, what they're thinking, what makes them tick. But you can't just say, "Tell me a story," or "What makes you tick?" You have to use your interviewing skills to get it out of them.
* Ask questions that make them really think about issues and memories that are important to them. Ask questions about favorite childhood memories. Try questions that deal with the things that make them the most proud, the happiest, etc.
* Ask them specific things you've already researched. If you're interviewing quarterback, don't ask him what his passing statistics were last season. You should be able to find them on your own. Ask him why he improved from season to season.
* "How do you feel about . . . ?" is one of the best questions you can ask. People love to tell you how they feel. Fill in the blank and feel free to pick their brains.
Be interested:
Sure, it's easy to listen, and it's not too difficult to pretend you're interested, but the key to being a good reporter is to actually be interested! Really listen to what your subject is saying. React. Laugh. Smile. Make eye contact. Be somber. Ask questions based on their answers. Really care about what they're saying, and they'll feel much more comfortable with you.
Good Pages to Bookmark:
www.KristinHarmel.com
www.mediabistro.com
www.writersweekly.com (Every Wednesday)
www.journalismjobs.com
www.nytimes.com
www.ajc.com
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1 comment:
OMGoodness! You are such a inspiring sweet gem. A current bout with insomnia led me here like a light in the dark after finishing TAOFK. Superb read!
Question: I have a book in my soul (and on my hard drive!) I've been told it is a captivating morsel of literary goodness; my mother and biased friends shared that with me.
Many females can relate to the theme-- it's about a young woman who moves from the midwest to join the love of her life in LA. It's a relatable journey of discovery, accepting when a relationship changes from "Love of your life" to "Love of your life ATT." (At the time). It disects the insanity of dating and being single (and alone) in Los Angeles, while trying to believe that "The One" doesn't only exist in fairy tales.
I have no experience, connections etc. What can I do to get my writing out there? I'm a 34yr old female living in Hermosa Beach CA and was madly in love with Joseph McIntyre from NKOTB. Do you remember that hard copy coffee table book they had with page after page of glossy photos? Oh sweet divine!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this verbose 3am spillage. If you could assist with any insight I would be so grateful.
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