Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Accepted Answer

While interviews for print, broadcasting and public relations all involve asking questions to obtain information, the interviewer's approach and goals may vary depending on the medium and purpose of the interview. For example, a broadcast interview may focus more on soundbites and visual elements, while a print interview may allow for more in-depth responses and quotes. In a public relations interview, the interviewer or spokesperson may have pre-determined messages they want to communicate to the audience.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Accepted Answer

While developing interviewing skills does take practice, there is always room for improvement and refining techniques. Even highly trained journalists continue to work on their interviewing skills throughout their careers.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Interview subjects tend to fall into two...

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.

Accepted Answer

Good interviews require extensive preparation on the part of the interviewer. Without that preparation, it is unlikely that a great interview will occur.

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.

Accepted Answer

This is true because selecting the appropriate person to interview is crucial in order to ensure that the story is reported in a truthful and unbiased manner.

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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of One problem in interviewing is that when...

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.

Accepted Answer

Pushing too hard or being overly aggressive can damage your reputation and relationships with sources, making it harder to secure interviews in the future. Building trust and respect is crucial for successful interviews.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is it a good idea to...

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.

Accepted Answer

Promising an interview subject full control over the final article or broadcast is considered unethical and unprofessional in journalism. It compromises the reporter's objectivity and may result in a biased or incomplete piece of journalism. A journalist's role is to report the truth and present a fair and balanced perspective, not to appease the interviewee.

Question 12

Define the following terms:
 
 a. Not for attribution 
 b. Off the record
c. Background

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define the following terms:
 
 a. Not...

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

"Off the record" status must be agreed upon by both the interview subject and the journalist before the information is shared; it cannot be applied retroactively to information already disclosed.

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.

Accepted Answer

Using "off the record" and "not for attribution" statements can actually undermine a reporter's credibility and the believability of the news report, as these sources cannot be verified by the audience.

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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Modern technology is wonderful because a reporter...

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!

Accepted Answer

Professional interviewers often prepare questions in advance but remain flexible, adjusting the order and flow based on the conversation's direction to maintain a natural and productive dialogue.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define each of the following
a. Closed-ended question
b....

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.

Accepted Answer

Broadcast questions are generally simpler, more straight forward, and more conversational than print questions. They may also be leading at times to steer the direction of the interview.

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.

Accepted Answer

In both broadcast and print interviewing, the reporter gathers information. The key difference is the medium through which the information is presented, not the process of editing or gathering. Print reporters often edit after the interview, similar to how broadcast interviews may be edited for clarity or length before airing.

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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In print, since questions are not seen...

Quiz 7: Interviewing: Gathering Information From People

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

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.