To speed up the interview, SLOW DOWN....

Speed Interviewing

Don’t rush your story until you verify the truth.

                For first-semester writers to pros in the field, everyone has good and bad interviews. Being nervous and uneasy can lead to an interview going bad and the interviewee being turned off. Following certain steps can help with making an interview a less stressful environment and a friendlier meeting.

                Going into the interview prepared with previous facts wastes less time and gives you, the interviewer, a head start on getting the facts you need. Also by using a combination of primary, secondary, neutral, leading, and open and closed questions, can help produce the facts for a good story. Also finding common ground with your interviewee helps make the situation less nerve-wracking.  By stating the topic of your story, how long the interview will take, the process for writing the story, and asking if it’s ok to record, will also make the interviewee less nervous.

                Keep in mind when entering your interview that you follow certain steps:

1.       Make eye contact.

2.       Shake the interviewee’s hand.

3.       State your name clearly and slowly.

4.       Be honest, direct, but do not attack your source.

5.       Ask your source to take their time while you catch up on notes.

6.       Give your source opportunity for thought.

7.       Use the mirror technique with quotes.

By following these tips, you’ll have no problem with your interviews.

Jake DeRochie, '15
Diversions Editor