Exam 7: Interviewing: Gathering Information From People

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?

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Question 1

Correct Answer:

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Personal interaction with the subject is crucial to the dynamic of the interview Body language is important The interviewer should give evidence of involvement in what the subject is saying-,you should ,sit forward, nod your head, murmur vocal cues to encourage the course of the interview Watch the subject's body language, especially in answering a pointed question Learn to use silence effectively; don't rush to fill a pause just because it makes you feel uncomfortable Don't prompt a subject ,by helping to, find the right word; don't interrupt too often or disagree with the subject just for the sake of argument ,Keep the interview focused, returning to the questions you want answered if the subject wanders Don't accept a vague answer when your audience will expect specifics Don't needlessly take advantage of your media status, however Be prepared to back off if your subject becomes emotional or argumentative, or otherwise thinks your question is inappropriate Then, think of another way to approach the topic in order to get the answer you want.

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.

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Question 2

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True

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.

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Question 3

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False

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

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Question 4

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.

(True/False)

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Question 5

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.

(True/False)

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Question 6

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

(True/False)

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Question 7

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.

(True/False)

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Question 8

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

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Question 9

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

(True/False)

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Question 10

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.

(True/False)

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Question 11

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.

(True/False)

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Question 12

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.

(True/False)

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Question 13

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.

(True/False)

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Question 14

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.

(True/False)

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Question 15

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!

(True/False)

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Question 16

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.

(True/False)

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Question 17

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

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Question 18

A news conference presents problems for a reporter because:

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Question 19

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

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Question 20

Showing 1 - 20 of 31

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

A news conference presents problems for a reporter because:

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

Communication Theory and News Values

Getting Started: in the Beginning Is the Lead

Legal Considerations in Media Writing

Ethical Considerations in Writing and Reporting

Basics of Writing and Editing

Basic News Stories

Research in Communication

Using Quotations and Sources in News Stories

Features: Alternative Story Types

Preparing Broadcast Copy

Reporting for Radio and Television

Writing and Reporting in the New New Media

Writing News Releases

Writing for Organizational Media

Advocacy and Speechwriting

Advertising Copywriting

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