Deck 7: Interviewing: Gathering Information From People

Question 1

While interviewing is important, good writing skills are at the heart of most of what a
journalist or public relations practitioner does.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Interviews take a standard form-asking questions in order to obtain information-and
there's really no difference between interviews for print, broadcasting or public relations.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

What is the most valuable asset you can bring to interviewing?

Answer 3

An honest, sincere and heartfelt curiosity about things.

Question 4

Although developing interviewing capabilities takes practice, after a while you'll reach the level of a highly trained journalist and there is little else that can be done to improve interviewing skills.

Question 5

Interview subjects tend to fall into two broad categories. They are?

Question 6

Great interviews most often result from substantial efforts on the part of the
interviewer. Good interviews "happen" when solid preparation has taken place.

Question 7

In choosing a subject for an interview, you need to ask yourself who the best person is to talk to in order to tell the story in an accurate, balanced and comprehensive way.

Question 8

One problem in interviewing is that when a subject decides not to cooperate and talk with you, there is relatively little that you can do about it.

Question 9

If you're having trouble getting sources to answer interview questions, push a little bit. Be hard-nosed. That way, word will get around that you're a tough reporter and later interviews will come easier for you and others.

Question 10

Why is it a good idea to conduct research prior to an interview?

Question 11

One way to obtain a difficult interview is for the print or broadcast reporter to promise that the interview subject will have control over the way the final article or broadcast will be presented.

Question 12

Define the following terms:

a. Not for attribution
b. Off the record
c. Background

Question 13

Information can be put onto "off the record" status at any time at the discretion of the interview subject.

Question 14

Getting "off the record" and "not for attribution" statements into a news story strengthens the reporter's credibility and enhances the believability of the news report.

Question 15

Modern technology is wonderful because a reporter can tape record an interview and sit back and listen to what's being said and not have to worry about taking notes.

Question 16

Write out your interview questions in advance, put them in order, then stick to that order no matter what. That's how the pros do it!

Question 17

Define each of the following
a. Closed-ended question
b. Open-ended question
c. Loaded question

Question 18

While broadcast interviewing has much in common with print in terms of the goal of acquiring information from a news source, broadcast questions are simpler, more straight forward, more conversational and, at times, leading.

Question 19

The chief difference between broadcast and print interviewing is that the print reporter is not only gathering information, but editing at the same time.

Question 20

In print, since questions are not seen or heard by readers, the vocabulary level of the questions is matched to the education level of the readership rather than to the interview subject in order to maintain the paper's bond with its readers.

Question 21

What are the pros and cons of conducting interviews by e-mail?

Question 22

Why is it important to be a good listener during an interview?

Question 23

A good reporter needs to interview "in a professional manner." What does this entail?

Question 24

Reporters should ask questions that readers, listeners and viewers would ask were they in the reporter's place; you are the means through which the needs and the interests of your audience can be raised and considered.

Question 25

How does an interviewer establish and maintain good communication with the person being interviewed. What should be done if the interview begins to go off track?

Question 26

A news conference presents problems for a reporter because:

A) You're in competition with other reporters and news organizations.
B) You don't have control over the situation, the source does.
C) The source may only take questions from people who will ask soft questions.
D) There is no opportunity for follow-up questions.
E) All of the above.
F) Answers "b" and "d" only.

Question 27

It's generally a good strategy for a reporter to ask the tough questions at the outset of an interview because more honest responses are given when the interview subject is unprepared.

Question 28

In broadcast interviews, when an interviewee evades answering a tough question, let "dead air" take over; many sources can't bear the silence and begin talking.

Question 29

If you're a print journalist, learn to take notes selectively and try to develop your own shorthand system so that you don't waste time writing down non-essentials.

Question 30

While reporters are expected to know a little about many things, if you don't know something an interviewee is talking about, ask for an explanation. Chances are many of your readers, listeners or viewers won't know it either.

Question 31

Interviewing is a skill that is developed through years of practice. You have to work at it to do it right, but when you do, you'll be amazed what people will tell you if you only will ask.